Producibility of Cold Forged EFP's from Tantalum-Tungsten Alloy

The concept of using high-density body centered cubic (bcc) tantalum metal for explosively formed penetrators (EFP) continues to receive considerable interest in the defense community, in spite of variations in metal composition and properties. Alloying with a sufficient amount of tungsten (such as Ta-2.5%W) can diminish this sensitivity to slight changes in composition. In addition, the Ta-2.5%W alloy offers higher strength compared to pure tantalum, resulting in greater EFP penetration performance. In summary, the Ta-2.5%W alloy offers the EFP designer the advantages of the high-density pure tantalum with the enhanced strength and consistency offered by the alloy.The objectives of this proposed project are to determine the processing parameters required to provide uniform (111) texture and fine grain microstructures in cold forged tantalum-tungsten alloy (Phase I), and to demonstrate the producibility of 9-inch diameter EFP's (Phase II). Following the optimization of processing and resulting material properties, several EFP's would be produced for testing.Success of this program (Phases I and II) would provide the armament directorate with the ability to obtain 9-inch EFP's with improved penetration capability and quality consistency.