Message no. 1

From:	Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@***.NEU.EDU>
Subject:	spalling (was Re: Barrier ratings)
Date:	Fri, 16 Jun 1995 12:13:29 -0400

>>>>> "Jason" == Jason Ustica <usticaj@****.COM> writes:

Jason> The damaged armor, combined with the remnants of the penetrator,
Jason> goes flying around the inside of the vehicle, fragging up crew
Jason> and equipment alike.

That's called spalling, and it doesn't happen with modern composite
armors like chobham (soft armors don't spall at all). Older AFVs and
tanks are usually refitted with Kevlar mesh webbing inside to catch
spall.

Jason> HEAT warheads (shaped charge) are equipped with an explosive
Jason> charge inside the shell. The rear and sides of the shell are very
Jason> strong, while the front is very flimsy.

Not quite. The explosive is shaped something like this:

________________________________
| )
| __________________/
| / front
| \__________________
| \
|_______________________________.)

When it detonates, the hollow area creates a jet of super-hot gasses
directed forward. It is this jet of gasses that has the high armor
penetration capabilities.

--
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