Development and experimental verification of the new WHA sinters intended for kinetic energy projectiles

Depleted uranium (DU) and tungsten heavy alloys (WHA) are commonly used as kinetic energy projectiles penetrators due to their excellent properties such as remarkably high density and strength which significantly affect their armor penetration capabilities. This article presents the results of laboratory and field tests of the new WHA sinter which summarize the results of a development project intended to increase the strength of the above-mentioned sinters used in the production of kinetic ammunition. The alloy with the composition W91–6Ni–3Co was used for the tests. The obtained alloy was subjected to cold swaging deformation with reduction of 25%. The parameters of individual technological processes were determined based on previous research. These studies concerned the impact of the degree of cold swaging deformation on the mechanical properties of the 91W–6Ni–3Co alloy. The above-mentioned work presents the results of UTS test, Charpy impact strength measurement, hardness and microhardness measurement, and the results of WHA microscopic observations in two states: after heat treatment and the final state after cold swaging deformation with reduction of: 25%. The next purpose of the research was to check the strength and functioning of the new WHA rods used in 120 mm sub-caliber projectiles. This examination was crucial for the completion of this research project, and its results enabled a synthesis of laboratory results and experimental tests.