A Unified Theory of Penetration
Abstract
Today's weapons employ compact fragments as well as long rods and shaped charge jets. From the viewpoint of an armor designer, it is desirable to have a method of dealing with all three types of penetrator both in theory and in practice. This report presents an equation of motion which in its most general form describes penetration by a forming, stretching, eroding jet. In various specialized forms, it describes penetration by pre-formed rods and compact projectiles. One specialized form reduces to the classical jet penetration formula according to which penetration in a semifinite target is proportional to the square root of the ratio of the jet and target densities. A correction for target hardness is automatically included. The solutions of the various forms of the equation of motion are given explicitly in closed form and are profusely illustrated by numerical examples and comparisons with experimental data. In this report we restrict ourselves to one dimension and to finite or semi-infinite targets made of one material. The chapter on jets is also limited to descriptions of a standard 81mm, 42 deg copper cone device. These restrictions will be removed in future reports. Keywords: Penetration mechanics; Shaped charge warheads, Kinetic energy projectiles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA176249
Entities
People
- James T. Dehn
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory