On the optimal nose geometry for a rigid penetrator

A variational formulation for the net force on the nose of a rigid projecti le normally penetrating a compliant target is given. Frictional effects are negligible in this formulation. The variational problem is solved and the result compared to several popular nose geometries. For blunt tipped projec tiles, the optimal geometry can significantly enhance penetration by reduci ng the net force of resistance. For long penetrator noses, the effect has m uch less value. The most interesting conclusion is that all the optimal geo metries have blunt tips.