Penetration of 6061-T6511 aluminum targets by ogive-nosed VAR 4340 steel projectiles at oblique angles: experiments and simulations

In this paper we present the results from a combined experimental. analytic al., and computational penetration program. First, we conducted a series of depth-of-penetration experiments using 0.021 kg, 7.11 mm diameter, 71.12 m m long, vacuum-arc-remelted 4340 ogive-nose steel projectiles. These projec tiles were launched with striking velocities between 0.5 and 1.3 km/s using a 20 mm powder gun into 254 mm diameter, 6061-T6511 aluminum targets with angles of obliquity of 15 degrees, 30 degrees, and 45 degrees. Next, we emp loyed the initial conditions obtained from the experiments with a new techn ique that we have developed to calculate permanent projectile deformation w ithout erosion. With this technique we use an explicit. transient dynamic., finite element code to model the projectile and an analytical forcing func tion derived from the dynamic expansion of a spherical cavity (which accoun ts for compressibility, strain hardening, strain-rate sensitivity, and a fi nite boundary) to represent the target. Results from the simulations show t he final projectile positions are in good agreement with the positions obta ined from post-test radiographs. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.