Experimental study on impact resistance ofultra-high-strength spherical structures

To explore the anti-penetration abilities of irregular structures made of high-strength alloy steel, a target enhanced with ultra-high-strength spherical structures (UHS-SS) was manufactured in this work. The UHS-SS is fabricated from ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) and mechanically anchored to the target via threaded high-tensile rods, ensuring structural integrity under projectile penetration loading. A series of penetration tests at an impact velocity of 400 m/s was performed using a 125 mm diameter cannon. The yaw-induced projectile deflection was recorded at 5000 s⁻¹, and the failure mode and penetration depth of the projectile were obtained. Through a comparative analysis of anti-penetration experimental results between semi-infinite concrete targets and UHS-SS-reinforced targets, the influences of ultra-high mechanical performances and the spherical yaw-inducing structure on the deflection and fragmentation of the projectile were disclosed. The test results reveal that at a penetration velocity of 400 m/s, the dimensionless penetration depth of the UHS-SS target is 0.11, and the penetration resistance of the UHS-SS target is about 9 times that of C40 concrete. The anti-penetration performance of UHS-SS is significantly enhanced in comparison to that of the ordinary concrete target. Furthermore, as the projectile penetrates the UHS-SS target, the resultant force on the projectile is in a different direction from that of the projectile velocity, which can deflect and shatter the projectile. The behavior of ricocheting off the surface, deflection-induced secondary impact, and fragmentation of the projectile occurred during the anti-penetration test of the UHS-SS target, and the maximal deflection angle was 83º during the experiment, preventing the projectile from penetrating the interior of the protective structure. The UHS-SS target has a severe erosion effect on the projectile at a lower speed of 400 m/s, which resulted in a mass loss rate of 23.66% in the experiment. Therefore, the risk of a ground-penetrating weapon penetrating the protective works and detonating is significantly reduced．