Investigation of a Bulk Metallic Glass as a Shaped Charge Liner Material

Abstract : A study was conducted to explore a zirconium-based bulk metallic glass, Vitreloy 106, as a jetting material. In the past, bulk metallic glass alloys (e.g., Vitreloy 106) have been used for other applications such as the binder for kinetic energy penetrators. These alloys are a homogeneous mixture of several metals. Based on the experiments described herein, it was concluded that this zirconium-based bulk metallic glass behaves more like a shaped charge liner, which is fabricated from pressed powder metals, than a pure glass liner. In the extreme conditions during the formation and flight of the jet to the target, the bulk metallic glass liner disperses and its effectiveness is greatly diminished. It is conceivable that improvements in liner geometry, composition, and fabrication may result in an improved jet.