Experimental studies of interaction between fluoroplastic and aluminum alloys under impact loading

Results of experimental studies of high-speed interaction between fluoropla stic and aluminum alloys are reported. A high damage ability of fluoroplast ic as compared to inert polymeric materials and steel projectiles is ascert ained, diameters and volumes of cavities formed are measured as a function of the impact velocity and penetrator head shape. Functioning of fluoroplas tic penetrators in their high-speed interaction with an aluminum-containing plate is found to be associated with mechanical destruction and chemical d egradation of fluoroplastic accompanied by an exothermic chemical reaction between the degradation products and aluminum contained in the target.