Comparative Study of the Penetration Characteristics of Ni-Al and Pure Cu Shaped Charge Liners

In order to investigate the correlation between the reactivity of Ni-Al and micro-structural differences in the crater walls, penetration experiments were performed with Ni-Al and pure Cu shaped charge liners (SCLs). The experimental results showed that the average penetration depth of Cu jets is 2.3 times that of Ni-Al jets, but the crater entrance diameter of Ni-Al jets is larger by 26.6%. The microstructure of the recovered targets was characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and a Vickers micro-hardness system. The Ni-Al “white” band was thicker than that of Cu because it releases a lot of heat. The micro-hardness test showed that the “white” band had a relatively high hardness, and the “white” band hardness in the tail was more significant than that in the head. However, the micro-structural evolution of the crater walls is related to the reactivity of Ni-Al, but is also related to other factors. Combined with the macro penetration results and the evolution of the micro-structure of the crater walls, the “white” band can absorb impact energy more strongly and weaken the jet breaking ability or armour protection ability.These results can provide more valuable reference for designing shaped charge warheads and protection structures.