Modeling Penetration of Bi-Element Metallic Targets by High-Speed Projectiles

Abstract

In this paper, an analytical model is proposed to describe the penetration of a high-speed projectile into a metallic bi-element target, consisting of a finite thickness metallic layer facing a semi-infinite RHA armor. The proposed model identifies two main phases for target penetration; these are: (i) penetration of the front metallic layer and (ii) penetration of backing semi-finite metallic armor. During the target penetration phases, three modes of the projectile front may occur; these are erosion, mushrooming and rigid modes [1, 6]. Main assumptions and governing equations of each target penetration phase for each mode of projectile front are presented. These equations are arranged and compiled into a computer program. The input data to the program are easily determined. The measured penetration depths of depleted uranium (DU) projectiles into semiinfinite RHA armor at different impact velocities of Ref. [4, 5] are compared with the corresponding model predictions to determine the RHA flow stress. In addition, the model predictions are compared with the ballistic measurements of Ref. [4] to determine the flow stress of front metallic layer materials of the bi-element targets. The present model is also used to predict the ballistic efficiencies of the front titanium plates with different thicknesses when each of them is backed by a semi-infinite RHA armor. Moreover, predicted samples for the influence of the projectile impact velocity on the ballistic efficiency are presented and discussed.