An upper limit for the penetration performance of segmented rods with segment- L/D ⩽ 1

Abstract

Summary This study investigates the question of whether the penetration performance of a segmented rod penetrator with segment-L/D ⩽ 1 can exceed that of a uniform density continuous rod of equal mass, length (including spaces), diameter and velocity (“comparison rod”). The answer, based on experimental, computational and analytical data published to-date, is negative. The well-known fact that segmented rods penetrate better than their so-called “parent rods” (rods of equal mass, diameter and velocity and a length equal to the sum of segment lengths only), together with findings presented here, limits the penetration performance of segmented rods to Pparent rod