Analytical modelling of ballistic perforation in plug formation mode

Abstract

The paper considers the ballistic perforation of ductile metal plates by rigid projectiles in plug formation regime. Analytical modelling of the penetration process is based on the application of momentum and energy conservation laws for the penetrator/plug system. After outlining of the well-known Recht-Ipson model, the new analytical model has been formulated. The model considers the plug compression and shear – two most important resistance forces acting on the projectile. The final result of the model is the ballistic curve – a simple relation between the projectile and plug residual velocity and the projectile impact velocity. The important parameters in the relation are the ballistic limit velocity and the relative mass of the plug. For low values of the relative plug mass, the ballistic curves of the proposed model and the Recht-Ipson model are very close to each other, but for higher values of this parameter the results of two models significantly deviates. Comparison with available experimental data indicates good agreement between measured velocities and model predictions. However, further experiments are needed for validation of the model, especially in the case of high values of relative plug thickness.