STUDIES IN THE PERFORATION OF THIN METALLIC PLATES BY PROJECTILE IMPACT: 1. NORMAL IMPACT OF CIRCULAR CYLINDERS

Abstract : The ballistic parameters were determined analytically and experimentally for the perforation of aluminum alloy and titanium alloy plates by normal impact of steel cylinders. Analytical predictions of the perforation parameters were prepared on the basis of theoretical models of the perforation process. Experimental determination of the critical perforation and residual velocities discriminated among the various models and further experimentation verified the analytical description of the perforation process. One model of perforation was found which adequately describes the ballistic parameters for the normal impact of steel cylinders into aluminum alloy and titanium alloy plates for impact velocities up to 5000ft/sec and plate thicknesses up to 0.25 inches.