THE PENETRATION OF ASYMMETRIC LONG-ROD PROJECTILES AT 2.6 KM S/

The penetration ability of asymmetric long-rod projectiles at 2.6 km/s is investigated in this numerical study. Five different projectile cr oss sections were considered. Results From the simulations indicate th at the penetration velocity of the projectiles is only marginally infl uenced by the cross-sectional shape of the penetrator; the greatest re ductions are seen for the projectiles with the largest area moment of inertias. The largest disparity in total penetration between the diffe rent shapes is about 4%. Physical mechanisms leading to these disticti ons are discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.