Projectile Penetration in Granular Soils

Abstract

Results from centrifuge and 1-g model tests of projectile penetration into granular soils are described. Solid spherical projectiles in four calibers were fired into uniform samples of dry sand at approximately 305 m/s. Comparison to full-scale test results verified the suitability of the centrifuge testing technique for this type of problem. Power relationships between projectile penetration depth and projectile mass-to-area ratio are developed. Statistical analyses show that these functions describe the combined 1-g and centrifuge test results with a high degree of accuracy. Test results are compared to predictions of penetration depth based on Young’s equation. Suggestions for improvements in Young’s equation are made, including elimination of an arbitrary mass-scaling factor, use of a soil description based on physical properties of the soil, and use of a soil-specific exponent with the projectile mass-to-area ratio.