Penetration performance of segmented rods at different spacing - Comparison with homogeneous rods at 2.5 - 3.5 km/s

The penetration of segmented rods in semi-infinite steel targets has been investigated in dependence on the segment distance. The segments are cylinders with L/D = 1, the material is a tungsten sinter alloy and up to 10 segments are considered. Crater depths, volumes and cross sections (diameters) are compared with those of homogeneous rods having L/D = 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10. Tests at infinite segment distance have been performed at 2.5 and 3.5 km/s by launching one segment after the next one by successive tests into the same crater. Segment distances between zero and 7D are realized by applying the inverse impact test (only at 2.5 km/s). The segmented rod shows maximal performance at 2D segment distance and achieves 90% of the maximally possible penetration 10 p sub 1 means the penetration of the first segment. Furthermore it behaves 34% superior to the homogeneous rod (zero distance). For segment distances larger than 2D the penetration goes down to the homogeneous rod value and converge s at very larges distances versus the penetration at infinite distance, which is approximately equal to the efficiency at 2D distance. Crater volumes and cross sections of segmented rods are distinctly smaller than those of homogeneous rods.