More on the penetration of rigid projectiles in metallic targets

Abstract

The deceleration of a rigid projectile penetrating a metallic target is explored through numerical simulations with very different targets, in order to highlight the role of the target's inertia during penetration. These simulations also highlight the cavitation phenomenon through which, above a certain threshold velocity, the target's inertia is playing an important role in the penetration process. In addition, we propose a simplified model for the entrance phase effect on the penetration depths of rigid projectiles impacting metallic targets. We also explore the role of Poisson's ratio in determining the resistance to penetration of a metallic target, and derive a new relation for the resisting stresses exerted by these targets on ogive-nosed rigid projectiles.