Video of the experimental setup for fragment impact loading using Fragment Simulating Projectiles

<p>The experiment&nbsp;is&nbsp;conducted using the launcher of the Accredited Ballistic Applications Laboratory (ABAL) in the department of ballistics at the Royal Military Academy. It allows to impact a target by a Fragment Simulating Projectile with a user-defined range of velocities. The different components&nbsp;of the experimental setup is shown in this&nbsp;video.&nbsp;</p> <p>Two FSP calibers are used for the different tests: 7.62mm&nbsp;and 12.7mm. They are accelerated up to 322m/s&nbsp;by means of a powder gun. The FSP dimensions are taken from STANAG-NATO. The aluminum plate specimens EN AW-1050A-H24&nbsp;(average elastic properties: Young&rsquo;s modulus of 62.5GPa&nbsp;and a Poisson&rsquo;s ratio of 0.33) with dimensions of 400mm x 400mm x&nbsp;2mm&nbsp;are fixed to a steel frame with dimensions of 1000mm x&nbsp;1000mm x&nbsp;15mm. They are positioned at a distance of 5m&nbsp;from the launcher. The central part of the aluminum specimens is painted by application of a white background and a black speckle pattern.&nbsp;</p> <p>During the experiments, the plate behavior is observed using a field of view of 300mm x&nbsp;300mm. Two Photron Fastcam SA5 high speed cameras HSC (camera 2 and 3) are mounted in a stereoscopic configuration to record synchronized images during the impact process. The high speed cameras are placed behind a shield protector at a safe distance from the plate in order to avoid damage by the projectiles. Two light emitting diodes LEDs are used to increase the illumination of the aluminum plate. This was done to maintain adequate contrast throughout the experiment. During its flight, the FSP velocity is measured by a pair of light barriers (velocity gates). The FSP initial velocity is chosen to be higher than the plate&rsquo;s ballistic limit velocity. This choice allows for the deformation to be limited to a small region around the impact point. The striking velocities are recorded using measurements by HSC1.</p>