Use of 2D simulations to study penetration mechanisms of long rods and shaped charge jets

Numerical simulations have become an extremely important tool in the field of terminal ballistics over the past decade. Our approach to the use of the se codes is to treat them as a tool for sensitivity studies rather than as prediction tools. Thus, by changing the physical parameters selectively we are able to quantify the importance of material properties and geometric de signs in determining the ballistic efficiencies of various targets and proj ectiles. Also, these simulations are able to highlight the main mechanisms operating during the complex interaction between projectiles and targets. S everal examples are given from our recent works on long rods and shaped cha rge jets along these lines.