Response of Earth Penetrator Structures in Angle-of-Attack Impacts
Abstract
An analysis based on a one-dimensional beam-mass model was developed to predict the early-time response of penetrator structures in angle-of-attack impacts. The model was verified by comparison with the strain response measured in a reverse ballistics test and with the strain response measured in idealized scale model penetrators. Loads were simulated by a device that produces the resultant force-time history near the front end of the penetrator. The tests indicated that the loader could be built in a larger size to test full-scale penetrators. The analysis was then used to investigate penetrator response. It was found that the peak compressive strain, which determines whether or not the penetrator casing fails, depends on the magnitude of the lateral load produced by impacts at an angle of attack, the load rise time (which is inversely proportional to impact velocity), and the relative mass of the nose and aft sections. Finally, a procedure was devised to characterize the strength of penetrator structures in terms of impact velocity and angle of attack. The resulting critical impact curves can be used to make tradeoffs among structural dimensions (e.g., length and wall thickness), to select the best structure for a particular applications, and to provide a framework for planning and interpreting experiments and more detailed calculations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA053462
Entities
People
- H. E. Lindberg
- J. D. Colton
- R. E. Emerson
Organizations
- SRI International