Predicting the penetration of long rods into semi-infinite metallic targets

Abstract

Analytical equations are presented herein to predict the penetration of semi-infinite metallic targets struck normally by long rods at high velocities for Y p<S where Y p is the rod strength and S is the static target resistance. The equations are derived based on energy balance method. It is assumed that the kinetic energy loss of a long rod is related to the energy dissipated by the plastic deformations in the target, the energy consumed by the long-rod penetrator itself and the energy carried by the eroded rod debris. Secondary penetration is also examined in the present paper due to the fact that the eroded rod debris forms a tube which can penetrate the target further if the density of the rod is greater than that of the target and the impact velocity is high enough. The present analytical equation is found to be in good agreement with the experimental data for a wide range of impact velocities.