Effect of nose geometry on penetration capability of non-axisymmetric thin projectiles

Hitherto, studies on impact by non-axisymmetric projectiles with high cross-sectional aspect ratios are limited, yet such cases may occur in a wide range of civil and military applications. A target response to projectiles with such geometry differs from that of the extensively studied case of impact with axisymmetric projectiles. The focus of this study is to examine the penetration capabilities of plate-like projectiles with various sharpness upon impact on thin metallic targets. To that end, attention is drawn to the projectile’s geometrical parameters and their effect on penetration characteristics. An experimentally-validated model was developed within the finite-element-method (FEA) framework to study the projectile-induced fracture in the target and the projectile’s velocity profiles, with the intention to better understand the occurring dissipation mechanisms and identify the contribution of key geometrical parameters. A change in the expected target’s fracture response is reported, while the linear section of the projectile’s velocity drop is associated through a linear relationship with the half-cone angle of the projectile. The target showed decreased resistance upon impact by non-axisymmetric, high-aspect-ratio projectiles as compared to their axisymmetric equivalents.