THE EFFECT OF PROJECTILE SHAPE ON THE BALLISTIC PERFORATION OF THIN METAL PLATES
Abstract
The effect of projectile shape on thin target perforation was investigated for five projectile shapes impacting aluminum and steel targets at 506 m/sec. A discarding sabot technique was developed for launching the unjacketed steel projectiles and accurate perforation velocity losses were measured using a ballistic pendulum with the targets mounted in the center of the pendulum. The five projectile shapes included two pointed ogives, a shape similar to a Russian 14.5 mm AP core, a cylinder and a cone. The two ogive shapes were the most efficient penetrators while the velocity loss of the Russian projectile averaged 15% higher. The cone, which caused a combined petaling and plugging target failure, was the least effective shape. Calculations with two approximate perforation theories predicted smaller velocity losses than were found experimentally.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0693151
Entities
People
- Thomas E. Fields
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory