ABSTRACT
In this paper, an analytical model is proposed to describe the penetration
of a high-speed projectile into a metallic bi-element target, consisting of a finite
thickness metallic layer facing a semi-infinite RHA armor. The proposed model
identifies two main phases for target penetration; these are: (i) penetration of the
front metallic layer and (ii) penetration of backing semi-finite metallic armor. During
the target penetration phases, three modes of the projectile front may occur; these
are erosion, mushrooming and rigid modes [1, 6]. Main assumptions and governing
equations of each target penetration phase for each mode of projectile front are
presented. These equations are arranged and compiled into a computer program.
The input data to the program are easily determined.
The measured penetration depths of depleted uranium (DU) projectiles into semiinfinite
RHA armor at different impact velocities of Ref. [4, 5] are compared with the
corresponding model predictions to determine the RHA flow stress. In addition, the
model predictions are compared with the ballistic measurements of Ref. [4] to
determine the flow stress of front metallic layer materials of the bi-element targets.
The present model is also used to predict the ballistic efficiencies of the front titanium
plates with different thicknesses when each of them is backed by a semi-infinite RHA
armor. Moreover, predicted samples for the influence of the projectile impact velocity
on the ballistic efficiency are presented and discussed.