Back to Low Carbon Steel
ML00143 - Aug.2018donated by: ARC SPECIALTIES

Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate

The fracture created by the projectile impact is fully ductile. The material presented a sheared surface with elongated dimples.

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The created by the projectile impact is fully ductile. The material presented a sheared surface with elongated .
M

Material

Low Carbon Steel
  • ASTM A 36
Ds

Description

The , 3/8" thickness, was shot with a .308 Winchester projectile (cooper alloy case filled with -antimony alloy) using a Remington 700 gun, 100 meters far from the target. The bullet speed was 2749 ft/sec measured using a chronograph. The plate material was perforated by the bullet that left melted alloy and Pb-Sb films all through the deformed and sheared material. The plate hardness level increased from 151 to 308 HV at the highly deformed region.

C

Chemistry (% in weight)

Plate Analysis

0.18C; 0.16Si; 0.58Mn; 0.012P; 0.011S; 0.04Cr; 0.02Ni; 0.02Cu.

Associated Images
Red painted device where the 50 mm x 50 mm carbon steel plate was positioned (in the circle). The image presents the target, positioned 100 meters far from the gun, after the shot and the projectile perforated the plate, as will be presented in the other figures.
602
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Aspect Before AnalysisDf - General View
Aspect of a typical .308 Winchester projectile, similar to the one adopted to shot the plate, cut in a longitudinal section. It is a Cu alloy case filled with Pb-Sb.
92
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Longitudinal Section AspectDf - Longitudinal Section
Aspect of the 3/8" thickness plate, 50 mm x 50 mm, of the low carbon steel steel, in the face of impact with the projectile. The plate was perforated by the bullet.
88
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Aspect Before AnalysisDf - General View
Micrography of the plate in a section, showing a ferritic-pearlitic microstructure in the middle of the thickness.
84
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Ferrite and Pearlite
Micrography of the plate in a section, showing a ferritic-pearlitic microstructure in the middle of the thickness, in a position where the plate was not affected by the shot.
65
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Ferrite and Pearlite
Micrographic detail of the plate in a section, showing a ferritic-pearlitic microstructure in the middle of the thickness.
66
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Ferrite and Pearlite
Micrographic detail of the ferritic-pearlitic microstructure.
53
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Ferrite and Pearlite
Micrography of the plate section, in the middle of the plate in a position where the projectile did not affect. Ferritic-pearlitic structure.
55
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by SEMDf - Ferrite and Pearlite
Micrographic detail of the plate section, evidencing the non affected ferritic-pearlitic structure.
57
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by SEMDf - Ferrite and Pearlite
Other view of the 3/8" thickness plate, 50 mm x 50 mm, of the low carbon steel plate, in the face of impact with the projectile. The plate suffered a localized perforation.
48
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Aspect Before AnalysisDf - General View
Other view of the 3/8" thickness plate, 50 mm x 50 mm, of the low carbon steel plate, in the opposite face of impact. The plate suffered a localized perforation and this image shows the position of the exit of the bullet. It is also evident that the shot was very close to the red painted device since a straight line is marked at the surface of the plate (bottom of the figure).
46
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Aspect Before AnalysisDf - General View
Detail of the position where the projectile strike the plate. The plate suffered a localized perforation.
44
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Surface AspectDf - Low Mag
Detail of the position where the projectile exited the plate. The plate suffered a localized perforation and the straight line is marked where the bullet was deviated from the painted device.
41
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Surface AspectDf - Low Mag
Detail of the margin of the perforated hole in the impact position. It is interesting to observe that the perforation caused the material to be expulsed from the hole, in the direction of the impact.
39
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Surface AspectDf - Plastic Deformation
Detail of the margin of the perforated hole in the impact position. It is interesting to observe extreme plastic deformation created by the perforation expulsing the material from the hole, in the direction of the impact.
42
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Surface Aspect by SEMDf - Plastic Deformation
Margin of the perforated hole showing regions of fracture and a smooth appearance in the hole surface (right side of the figure). This smooth aspect was generated by the film of melted material from the bullet.
44
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Fractography by SEMDf - Ductile Fracture
The fracture created by the projectile impact is fully ductile. The material presented a sheared surface with elongated dimples.
45
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Fractography by SEMDf - Dimples
Fractographic detail of the ductile fracture generated by the projectile impact. The material presented a sheared surface with elongated dimples.
41
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Fractography by SEMDf - Dimples
Aspect of the 3/8" thickness plate, 50 mm x 50 mm, of the low carbon steel, in a section transverse to the impact position that is to the top of the figure. The perforated hole expulsed the material to the top and bottom directions. The hole is larger in the exit of the bullet.
53
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Transverse Section AspectDf - Transverse Section
Detail of the margin of the perforated hole in the side where the projectil stroke the plate. The smooth aspect in the hole (left side of the image) is generated by the melted material from the bullet.
41
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Surface Aspect by SEMDf - At the Surface
Detail of the margin of the perforated hole in the side where the projectil stroke the plate. Ductile dimples of the plate (right side of the figure) and a film of melted Pb-Sb from the bullet.
36
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Surface Aspect by SEMDf - At the Surface
Detail of the melted Pb-Sb film over the hole surface.
33
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Surface Aspect by SEMDf - At the Surface
Detail of the ductile dimples of the plate shearing.
33
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Surface Aspect by SEMDf - Dimples
Detail of the plate surface a little far from the perforated hole, in the side where the projectil stroke the plate. Drops of melted material from the bullet.
34
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Surface AspectDf - Melted film
Detail of the plate surface a little far from the perforated hole, in the side where the projectil stroke the plate. Drops of melted material from the bullet.
36
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Surface Aspect by SEMDf - Melted film
Macrography of the 3/8" thickness low carbon steel plate, in a section. The side of bullet impact is to the top of the figure. The perforated hole expulsed the material to the top and bottom directions. The hole is larger in the exit of the bullet (to the bottom of the figure).
31
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - NItal Etched MacroDf - Transverse Section
Micrographic detail of the plate section, as polished, close to the surface that suffered the impact. The plate material deformed during the perforation,
31
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - As polished micrographyDf - Transverse Section
Micrographic detail of the plate section, as polished, close to the surface that suffered the impact. The copper alloy melted and created a yellow-orange deposit.
25
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - As polished micrographyDf - Melted film
Micrographic detail of the plate section, as polished, close to the surface that suffered the impact. The copper alloy melted and created a yellow-orange deposit.
26
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - As polished micrographyDf - Melted film
Micrography of the plate section, close to the surface that suffered the impact. The copper alloy melted and created a yellow-orange deposit. The plate material presented a strong plastic deformation, aligning the grains and strain hardening the microstructure.
26
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Plastic Deformation
Micrographic detail of the copper alloy melted and adhered at the surface and a strong plastic deformation of the plate microstructure.
28
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Plastic Deformation
Macrographic detail of the 3/8" low carbon steel plate. The side of bullet impact is to the top of the figure. The perforated hole expulsed the material to the top and bottom directions. The hole is in the left side of the figure.
23
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Transverse Section
Micrography of the damaged plate at the side of the bullet impact, top of the figure. The perforated hole expulsed the material to the top and bottom directions and the copper alloy is evident at the hole surface.
21
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - As polished micrographyDf - Low Mag
Micrography of the damaged plate at the side of the bullet impact, top of the figure. The perforated hole expulsed the material to the top and bottom directions and the copper alloy is evident at the hole surface.After etching it is clear the strong plastic deformation of the plate microstructure and the hardness level close to the hole increased from 151 HV to 308 HV (1kg).
22
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Strain Hardened
Micrography of the damaged plate at the side of the bullet impact, top of the figure. The perforated hole expulsed the material to the top and bottom directions and the copper alloy is evident at the hole surface.After etching it is clear the strong plastic deformation of the plate microstructure.
26
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Plastic Deformation
Micrographic detail of the damaged plate at the side of the bullet impact. The perforated hole expulsed the material to the top and bottom directions and the copper alloy is evident at the hole surface. There is a strong plastic deformation of the ferritic-pearlitic microstructure and the hardness level increased from 151 HV to 308 HV (1kg).
20
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Plastic Deformation
Micrographic detail of the strong plastic deformation of the ferritic-pearlitic microstructure near the hole.
19
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Plastic Deformation
Micrography the ferritic-pearlitic structure close to the region where the projectile penetrate the plate.
21
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by SEMDf - Plastic Deformation
Micrographic detail of the ferritic-pearlitic structure close to the region where the projectile penetrate the plate.
19
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by SEMDf - Plastic Deformation
Jagged, torn material boundary at the perforation edge, consistent with localized shear deformation from projectile penetration.
21
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - As polished micrographyDf - Transverse Section
Micrography of the damaged plate inside the hole, showing the strong plastic deformation of the ferritic-pearlitic structure and the copper alloy adhered at the hole surface.
17
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Melted film
Micrographic detail of the strong plastic deformation of the ferritic-pearlitic structure and the copper alloy adhered at the hole surface.
16
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Strain Hardened
Cross-sectional view near the plate edge showing an elongated, banded microstructure with dark stringer inclusions deformed parallel to the cut surface.
13
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Strain Hardened
Micrographic detail of the strong plastic deformation of the ferritic-pearlitic microstructure near the hole.
15
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Plastic Deformation
Micrography the ferritic-pearlitic structure close to the region where the projectile penetrate the plate.
17
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by SEMDf - Plastic Deformation
Micrographic detail of the ferritic-pearlitic structure close to the region where the projectile penetrate the plate.
9
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by SEMDf - Plastic Deformation
Macrographic detail of the 3/8" thickness low carbon steel plate. The side of bullet exit is to the bottom of the figure. The perforated hole expulsed the material to the top and bottom directions. The hole is in the right side of the figure.
12
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - NItal Etched MacroDf - Transverse Section
Micrography of the damaged plate at the side of the bullet exit, bottom of the figure. The perforated hole is in the right side of the figure and it is evident a strong plastic deformation of the plate microstructure. In this region (exit of the bullet) there is no melted film anymore.
8
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Plastic Deformation
Micrography of the damaged plate at the side of the bullet exit, bottom of the figure. The perforated hole is in the right side of the figure and it is evident a strong plastic deformation of the plate microstructure and several microcracks. In this region (exit of the bullet) there is no melted film anymore.
10
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Plastic Deformation
Micrographic detail of the damaged plate at the side of the bullet exit, bottom of the figure. The perforated hole is in the right side of the figure and it is evident a strong plastic deformation of the plate microstructure and microcracks. In this region (exit of the bullet) there is no melted film anymore.
12
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Plastic Deformation
Micrographic detail of the damaged plate at the side of the bullet exit, bottom of the figure. The perforated hole is in the right side of the figure and it is evident a strong plastic deformation of the plate microstructure and microcracks. In this region (exit of the bullet) there is no melted film anymore.
8
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Plastic Deformation
Micrographic detail of the damaged plate at the side of the bullet exit, bottom of the figure. The perforated hole is in the right side of the figure and it is evident a strong plastic deformation of the plate microstructure and microcracks. In this region (exit of the bullet) there is no melted film anymore.
9
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Plastic Deformation
Micrographic detail of the damaged plate at the side of the bullet exit, bottom of the figure. The perforated hole is in the right side of the figure and it is evident a strong plastic deformation of the plate microstructure and microcracks. In this region (exit of the bullet) there is no melted film anymore.
10
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Plastic Deformation
Micrographic detail of the damaged plate at the side of the bullet exit, bottom of the figure. The perforated hole is in the right side of the figure and it is evident a strong plastic deformation of the plate microstructure and microcracks. In this region (exit of the bullet) there is no melted film anymore.
8
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Plastic Deformation
Micrographic detail of the damaged plate at the side of the bullet exit, bottom of the figure. The perforated hole is in the right side of the figure and it is evident a strong plastic deformation of the plate microstructure and microcracks. In this region (exit of the bullet) there is no melted film anymore.
9
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by OMDf - Plastic Deformation
Micrographic detail of the ferritic-pearlitic structure close to the region where the projectile penetrate the plate. There are internal voids that are characteristic of a ductile microvoid formation.
7
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by SEMDf - Ductile Crack
Micrographic detail of the ferritic-pearlitic structure close to the region where the projectile penetrate the plate. There are internal voids that are characteristic of a ductile microvoid formation.
12
VIEW
ML00143 / Aug.2018
Impact of a .308 Winchester on A36 Plate
M - Low Carbon SteelP - Rolled PlateAp - StructureCd - Pierced
Cm - Nital Etched Micrography by SEMDf - Ductile Crack