Penetration and Perforation of Thick Metal Targets Subjected to Impact by Ogival-Nosed Projectiles

An analytical investigation into the penetration and perforation of thick metal targets struck normally by rigid ogival-nosed projectiles over a wide range of velocities was conducted. Based on the assumption that the deformation is localized and that the mean pressure offered by the target materials to resist the projectiles is no longer a constant but a linear function of penetration velocity, equations are derived for predicting the depth of penetration in the targets and the ballistic limits or residual velocity in the case of perforation. Furthermore, the range of applicability of the perforation model is discussed. It transpires that the present model predictions are in good agreement with the test data for thick metallic targets in terms of penetration depth, residual velocity and ballistic limits.