To see a clear difference between results, change the blockBehaviorConfig of DamageBeams
# Increase damage to 500 000 / 1 000 000
# Set tick rate on 1.0 so every burst only has 1 tick in it
# Go to a planet with a 1 damage beam weapon
# Shoot a planet plate section that is close to the core
-> Full penetration, planet plate will have a hole going straight to the planet core, and and the opposite side of the planet there's another hole of the damage beam.
The planet core itself though, has received no damage (when the beam past through it).