Jet thrust penetrators for sounding the surface layer of space bodies

Abstract

High-speed penetrating modules-penetrators can be used to probe the surface layer of the Earth, and, in the near future, also other Space bodies of the Solar System (planets, asteroids, comets). Influence of additional jet thrust impulse enclosed to the penetrator in the course of its movement in a target on a possible increment of penetration depth into soil and rocky targets with various strength properties is analyzed by calculation way. For penetrator velocity of 500 m/s and mass of solid rocket propellant charge making 20% of the penetrator mass, additional action of jet thrust impulse allows to increase penetration depth approximately twice for all considered types of soil and rocky targets. With increase in initial velocity the relative increment of penetration depth decreases at the fixed mass of a solid propellant charge that is caused by decrease in a relative share of chemical energy of rocket propellant combustion in comparison with initial kinetic energy of the penetrator.