Effect of size and shape of tungsten particles on penetration performance in tungsten heavy alloys

Abstract

The effects of the size and shape of tungsten particles on dynamic torsional properties in tungsten heavy alloys were investigated. Dynamic torsional tests were conducted on seven tungsten alloy specimens, four of which were fabricated by repeated sintering, using a torsional Kolsky bar, and then the test results were compared via microstructure, mechanical properties, adiabatic shear banding, and deformation and fracture mode. The size of tungsten particles and their hardness were increased with the increasing of the sintering temperature and time, thereby deteriorating the fracture toughness. The dynamic torsional test results indicated that a cleavage fracture occurred predominantly with little shear deformation in the specimens whose tungsten particles were coarse and irregularly shaped whereas shear deformation was concentrated into the center of the gage section in the conventionally fabricated specimens. The deformation and fracture behavior of the specimens having coarse tungsten particles correlated well with the observation of the in situ fracture test results, i.e., cleavage crack initiation and propagation. These findings suggested that there would be an appropriate tungsten particle size condition in the penetration performance since the cleavage fracture mode would be beneficial for the self-sharpening of tungsten heavy alloys.