A COMPUTATIONAL STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF PROJECTILE STRENGTH ON THE PERFORMANCE OF LONG-ROD PENETRATORS

Two-dimensional numerical simulations were used to explore the penetra tion capability of long-rods as a function of their strength. Tungsten alloy rods of varying strengths were 'shot' at semi-infinite armor st eel targets in the velocity range of 1.4-2.2 km/s. It is found that pe netration depths versus penetrator strength curves have a maximum whic h depends on the impact velocity. This effect which, to our best knowl edge, has not been reported previously can be explained, at least qual itatively, by considering the deceleration of the rear part of the rod , as its strength increases. This deceleration can lead to a substanti al decrease in the velocity of the rear part of the penetrator with th e result that its penetration capability is reduced beyond that of a n ondecelerating penetrator. The deceleration is a direct consequence of the elastic waves travelling along the back part of the rod with an a mplitude which is equal to the strength of the penetrator material. Co pyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.