Study on energy release characteristics and penetration effects to concrete targets of Hf-based amorphous alloys

In this paper, the energy release characteristics and penetration effects of Hf-based amorphous alloys subjected to high velocity impact were investigated. The quasi-sealed test chamber system was used to record the impact energy release process of Hf-based amorphous alloy fragments shotted by 14.5 mm ballistic gun at elevated impact velocities. The reaction behaviors were observed by the high-speed camera and measured by the history curves of the impact reaction pressure using a piezoresistive pressure sensor. The penetration experiments of jacketed long rod projectiles (LRPs) of Hf-based amorphous alloys launching into concrete targets were carried out by 30 mm ballistic gun with velocities about 1400 m/s, where the experiments with inert steel jacketed LRPs were taken as a contrast. The video frames from the impact events were recorded by the high-speed camera. The results demonstrated that obviously shock-induced chemical reactions took place in Hf-based amorphous alloy fragments during the impact process, where the impact velocity played a significant role. Compared with the traditional steel jacketed LRPs, both the penetration depth and the crater of Hf-based amorphous alloy jacketed LRPs to concrete targets were significantly increased, which indicated that Hf-based amorphous alloy could be used to increase the damage effects of warheads.