The effect of gilding jacket material on the penetration mechanics of a 7.62 mm armour-piercing projectile

We have used forward ballistic, reverse ballistic and computational analysis techniques to interrogate the effect of the gilding jacket from a 7.62 mm × 51 mm FFV armour-piercing bullet during the penetration of ceramic-faced targets. When the gilding jacket is removed, it is shown that greater damage occurs to the core suggesting that the presence of the jacket is pre-damaging the ceramic before core arrival. This is confirmed through computational analysis. This work highlights possibilities in enhancing protection by pre-stripping the bullet's jacket prior to ceramic impact. ► Effect of bullet jacket on penetration mechanics into ceramic targets studied. ► Both forward-ballistic and reverse-ballistic experiments have been carried out. ► Flash X-ray used to capture penetration morphology of 7.62 mm FFV jacket. ► A bullet's gilding jacket pre-damages the ceramic prior to core arrival.