Engineering Models of Ballistic Perforation at High Velocities.

Abstract : The research program consisted of two main parts: (1) a series of ballistic tests with long rod penetrators of SAE 4140 steel impacting target plates of RHA steel and 5083 aluminum alloy, and (2) the development of an improved five stage engineering model of the ballistic perforation process. In addition, a split-Hopkinson bar (Kolsky bar) arrangement was set up to measure material strength at high rates of loading. Results of the present ballistic tests will be used in conjunction with subsequent improvement of the engineering model to account for projectile mass loss effects. The current model does demonstrate good correlation with ballistic test results in the standard velocity range.