Study on the damage effect of core-shell composite reactive fragments on spaced targets

To enhance the damage efficiency of fluoropolymer-based reactive fragments and broaden their application range, a novel core-shell composite structure active fragment has been proposed. To improve the strength of the matrix material, carbon fiber was introduced via a wet mixing method. Under specific sintering conditions, two types of samples were prepared: PTFE/Al/CF tungsten powder and PTFE/Al/CF tungsten ball. The basic mechanical properties of these samples were tested. The addition of tungsten powder was found to increase the dynamic compressive strength of the composite. Penetration tests were conducted on 3 mm+3 mm+2 mm+2 mm multi-layer interval aluminum targets using both types of fragments. The experimental data were automatically processed using a Python-based program, yielding the perforation area, deformation volume, and reaction light intensity for each layer of the target plate. The damage characteristics of the multi-interval target under different velocity and constraint conditions were compared and analyzed. The results show that the core-shell type fragment exhibits superior penetration ability. It can penetrate all four layers of the target plates at low speeds, although the perforation area is relatively small, with a perforation diameter approximately 0.95 times the fragment diameter. In contrast, the homogeneous fragment has a larger perforation area but weaker penetration ability. Its perforation diameter is about 1.21 times the fragment diameter, and it can only penetrate three layers of target plates at high speeds. The steel shell constraint significantly enhances the punching and penetration capabilities of the fragments. The primary active reaction of the fragment occurs during impact with the second layer of the target. The energy release reaction has a limited effect on improving the punching effect. The differences in damage characteristics are mainly attributed to the mechanical properties of the fragments. These findings provide valuable insights for the structural design and damage effect evaluation of reactive fragments.