Estimating the resistive strength of dense particle suspensions during ballistic penetration

Abstract

Abstract. In the present study, data that has been collected on the ballistic penetration of a dense particle suspension is examined using a simple analytical penetration model, treating the penetration process as a shear-failure plugging of the suspension, building on previously published models for the fluid. Through measurement of the incident and residual velocities of the projectile penetrating through the suspension, an estimate of the effective measure of the resistive strength of the suspension is made. The variation of this dynamic strength parameter as a function of the incident velocity of the projectile is used to discuss the penetration process within the fluid. The strength parameter is also used for comparison to values obtained for various materials, showing that a silica-based shear thickening fluid is not ideal for ballistic applications due to its low dynamic strength.