The maximum penetration depth of hypervelocity projectile penetration into concrete targets: Experimental and numerical investigation

Abstract

With the employment of the Kinzhal hypervelocity missile in warfare, evaluating the penetration damage effect especially the penetration depth of hypervelocity weapons has become a hot topic. The maximum penetration depth is one of the most important concerns for protective engineers, however, which is still an open question due to the lack of penetration data. A combined experimental and numerical investigation on projectile hypervelocity penetration into concrete targets is presented in this study. Hypervelocity penetration tests were first carried out by launching projectiles with various length-to-diameter (L/D) ratios penetrating concrete targets, where the striking velocities ranged from 1462 m/s to 2891 m/s. Combined with our previous penetration data, a complete variation tendency of penetration depth is depicted, demonstrating the existence of the maximum penetration depth. Then the corresponding numerical models are developed and validated. Based on the numerical results, the three stages during hypervelocity penetration are identified, and the variation tendency of the penetration depth is clarified. After that, the influence of the properties of projectile and target on the maximum penetration depth and corresponding critical striking velocity are numerically investigated. Finally, empirical formulas are established to quantify the influences of these parameters on the critical striking velocity and penetration depth. The research results can provide important references for designing protective structure against hypervelocity weapons.