Optimalizace vlastností W penetrátorů vyráběných rotačním kováním

Abstract

This work primarily deals with the study of mechanical and technological properties. The acquired knowledge is planned to be applied into the production technology with the aim to optimize the current production of tungsten penetrators from the technological and economical viewpoints. The production procedure of the studied tungsten heavy alloy (W93Ni6Co1) consists of sintering, heat treatment, and rotary swaging, possibly followed by a final heat treatment. The herein proposed optimization of the existing production technology of penetrators performed via machining lies in implementing technological changes – rotary swaging applicable in a wide temperature range allows to minimize technological waste during production, as well as to increase production efficiency while meeting the specified mechanical properties according to the requirements of ammunition designers. The effects of the proposed optimized technological steps are assessed by conventional testing of mechanical properties, as well as dynamic testing of mechanical properties using the Hopkinson test. Structural changes are assessed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, numerical simulation of rotary swaging is used to observe the influence of the individual technological parameters at the deformation behaviour of the work-piece, as well as to provide the possibility of mutual comparison with the experimentally observed properties. The verification of the proposed technology is performed via experimental penetration into steel armour. The bullet hole morphology is mapped using 3D RTG scans.