Shape optimization of penetrator nose

A simplified procedure is suggested to optimize a penetrator's nose shape u sing localized impactor-target interaction model in the cases of penetratio n into a semi-infinite target and into a target with a finite thickness. Su ch a procedure establishes the similarity between the projectile's shape op timization in penetration dynamics and in aerodynamics of high speeds. The optimization of the impactor's nose shape can thus be reduced to the variat ional problem considered previously in connection with the projectile's sha pe optimization in high speed gas dynamics. Two examples from the literatur e are analyzed when impactor's shape optimization involved difficulties whe reas the mathematically similar problem was solved before in aeromechanics. Some aspects of applying gas dynamics similarity for optimization of the i mpactor's shape for bodies of revolution are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier S cience Ltd. All rights reserved.