A dynamic spherical cavity-expansion penetration model is suggested herein to predict the penetration and perforation of concrete targets struck normally by ogivalnosed projectiles. Shear dilatancy as well as compressibility of the material in comminuted region are considered in the paper by introducing a dilatant-kinematic relation. A procedure is first presented to compute the radial stress at the cavity surface and then a numerical method is used to calculate the results of penetration and perforation with friction being taken into account. The influences of various target parameters such as shear strength, bulk modulus, density, Poisson's ratio and tensile strength on the depth of penetration are delineated. It is shown that the model predictions are in good agreement with available experimental data. It is also shown that the shear strength plays a dominant role in the target resistance to penetration.

In modern warfare earth penetrating weapons are often used to defeat enemy’s hardened and deeply buried targets such as aircraft shelters and bunkers. A dual warhead system (DWS) is one of such weapons composed of a forward shaped charge (FSC) and a following through warhead (FTW). In this paper, an analytical model is first proposed to analyze the penetration of an FTW into concrete targets with pre-drilled holes and a DWS is then optimized in order to achieve its best penetration performance. The effects of various parameters on the performance of a dual warhead system penetrating a concrete target are delineated. It transpires that the present model predictions are in good agreement with available experimental data and that the results obtained may be useful for designing such weapon systems.

In modern warfare earth penetrating weapons are often used to defeat enemy’s hardened and deeply buried targets such as aircraft shelters and bunkers. A dual warhead system (DWS) is one of such weapons composed of a forward shaped charge (FSC) and a following through warhead (FTW). In this paper, an analytical model is first proposed to analyze the penetration of an FTW into concrete targets with pre-drilled holes and a DWS is then optimized in order to achieve its best penetration performance. The effects of various parameters on the performance of a dual warhead system penetrating a concrete target are delineated. It transpires that the present model predictions are in good agreement with available experimental data and that the results obtained may be useful for designing such weapon systems.