PENETRATION OF A SHAPED CHARGE JET INTO A METALLIC TARGET

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Egyptian Armed Forces.

2 Assoc. Prof., Head of R. & D. Dept., Helwan Industrial Eng. Company, Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract

An analytical model has been developed to describe the jet penetration process into a metallic target. The model is essentially based on the modified Bernoulli's equation that incorporates the strengths of jet and target materials. The compression of jet length during its penetration through the target is considered in the analysis. The main equations predicting the jet length prior to impact and the governing equations describing the penetration process of a jet into a target are derived. These equations are arranged and compiled into a computer program. The input data to the program are easily determined. The model is capable of predicting the time histories of jet penetration velocity, crater radius and depth of jet penetration into a target. In addition, the model predicts the total depth and time of jet penetration into a target. The results of the present model are compared with predicted and experimental results of other investigators; good agreement is obtained. Moreover, an experimental program has been conducted to assess the predictions of the model. Six shaped charges have been prepared and exploded at different distances from a steel target. For each shaped charge, the measured depth of penetration and crater radius at the target surface are compared with the corresponding model predictions; good agreement is obtained for the depth of penetration. However, a further analytical study is needed to improve the prediction of crater radius. Representative samples of the model predictions using the data of some tested shaped charges and the 105 mm shaped charge are presented and discussed.

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