Scaling of non-proportional non-deforming projectiles impacting reinforced concrete barriers

This paper discusses the effects of an impact on reinforced concrete barriers caused by similarly shaped but not necessarily proportional, non-deforming projectiles. Laboratory simulations of reinforced concrete barriers' response to non-deforming projectiles' impact that are conducted with heavier and slower projectiles (compared to the simulated ones) are considered. Based on the known formulae, most of which representing experimental results, the expressions for the velocities ratios between the simulator and the simulated projectiles that are required in order to yield equal penetration depths and equal perforation limit depths, are developed. Application of these expressions to a study case shows that in order to obtain equal results by both projectiles the heavier projectile's energy should be higher than that of the smaller one, however the energies ratio should be smaller than that which is required by perfect similitude considerations. The influences of the projectiles' masses and diameters ratios are also examined. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.