Modeling on mass abrasion of kinetic energy penetrator

An engineering model on mass abrasion of kinetic energy penetrator is presented to predict the nose shape and mass loss of the residual projectile after high-speed penetration into concrete. The experimental analysis indicates that the kinetic energy of penetrator (i.e., mass and velocity of projectile) and the hardness of aggregate of concrete significantly affect the mass abrasion of projectile. A theoretical upper limit exists for the mass loss. More general relationship between mass loss and impact function I of projectile is constructed. Graphical discussion declares that the most mass loss occurs on the nose of the projectile and the eroding nose approaches to an ogival shape with a smaller value of caliber-radius-head (CRH). A relative rate of mass abrasion on ogive-nose is further defined and analyzed. The mass loss from abrasion on kinetic energy (KE) penetrator may be evaluated through the variation of nose shape. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.