Development and Properties of Novel Coated Tungsten-Based Composites for Penetrators

In spite of the adverse environmental effects associated with depleted uranium-based alloys, they are still favored over tungsten-based materials due to tehir superior penetration characteristics. This superior performance of DU-based alloys is due to its ability to adiabatically shear during penetration events and, thereby, continually self-sharpen itself. It is desirable to impart this property in tungsten-based composites. Unfortunately, tungsten is not amenable to adiabatic shear band formation. Thus, even if the matrix material in tungsten heavy alloys are susceptible to adiabatic shear localization, the bands are usually unable to propagate and provide the desired penetration properites. It is conveived that if a monolithic, adiabatic shear prone alloy can be concentrated in specific areas of the penetrator rod, its effectiveness can be significantly increased. The key challenges during Phase I will be economically provide a thick coating (of an adiabatic shear prone alloy) on the tungsten alloy substrate which is very adherent, dense, and which does not form embrittling phases at the interface. One of the successful coating material will be used for coating a specially designed tungsten rod which incorporates a reduction in its diameter over half its length.