Oblique penetration of a rigid projectile into a thick elastic-plastic target: theory and experiment

A model of oblique penetration of a rigid projectile into a thick elastic-p lastic target has been developed (Roisman et al., Int J Impact Engng 1997; 19: 769-95) which incorporates stress-free boundary conditions at the rear surface of the target. The main objective of the present work is to validat e the theoretical model by comparison with new experimental results for nor mal and oblique penetration of a rigid projectile into a thick plate of Al 6061-T651. Good agreement between theory and experiment is exhibited for th e projectile residual velocity and the crater shape. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.