Experimental research on the penetration of 80% W-fiber/Zr-based BMG long rods into steel target

In the present paper, the long rod penetration experiments of W-fiber/Zr-based BMG composite material with 80% tungsten fiber volume fraction into Q235 steel targets are conducted by employing H100 artillery within the speed range from 765m/s to 1766m/s. Integrated with macro-micro observation by metallographic analysis, the failure modes of the W-fiber/Zr-based BMG composite material are studied. The test shows that the W-fiber/Zr-based BMG rods has the capability of self-sharpening and displays excellent penetration performance when the penetration velocity is greater than 1000 m/s. The destruction and failure of the W-fiber/Zr-based BMG rods mainly occurs in the edge layer of rod head. It behaves as localized and sharpening characteristics, and the thickness of edge layer of rod head maintains dynamic equilibrium in the whole process of high-speed penetration. Because of the amorphous matrix, the rod material is much likely to shear fracture and then flow forming mass erosion, which leads self-sharpening of the fringe area of rod head.