Oblique penetration of spherical tungsten alloy projectiles on high-strength steel plates

The uniaxial tensile and dynamic compression properties of 22SiMn2TiB high-strength steel were first investigated, which shows certain strain-rate effects and obvious temperature-softening effects. Ballistic tests were carried out on 12 mm thick 22SiMn2TiB steel using ∅11 mm tungsten projectiles at 0°∼45° obliquity and a velocity of 500∼900 m/s. The study found that the ballistic limit velocity (BLV) increased monotonously with the increase of the obliquity. Based on the De Marre equation, a BLV calculation model was calibrated, which predicted experimental results well. Corresponding numerical simulation was carried out using LS-DYNA with fitted Johnson-Cook model parameters, its results are in good agreement with the test's. Additionally, the protective mechanism of the 22SiMn2TiB steel plate at an oblique angle was revealed through microscopic morphology analysis of the high-strength steel plate. It identifies adiabatic and normal shear failure, tensile and tensile-shear mixed failure, and the formation of different cracks in two groups, ultimately leading to plugging failure. The study provides a reference for the engineering design of the defensive structures using 22SiMn2TiB high-strength steel.