Metallographic analysis of piercing armor plate by explosively formed projectiles

This work discusses the impact consequences of Explosively Formed Projectiles (EFP) on the process of armor penetration. Based on the example of piercing shields made of armor steel ARMOX 370T with anti-vehicle mine of MPB type to verify the effectiveness of EFP charge. The influence of the projectile on the armor wall was analyzed on the basis of metallographic examination of the material from the armor, its plastic deformation and the change in the structure of the material within the shock influence area. As a result of the slug projectile impact on the armor surface a crater as a hole was formed with a diameter of approx. 105-120 mm, with noticeable traces of dynamic plastic deformation which occur at high speeds and high temperatures. In addition, microstructure analysis of the mines liner was performed, as in before and after piercing based on the analysis of EDS for phase precipitates identification.