Material similarities in long-rod penetration mechanics

The process of long-rod penetration into thick metallic targets is examined through a series of two-dimensional simulations. The aim of the research presented here is to uncover the inherent material similarities in this process. In particular, the search is for non-dimensional parameters which account for the depth of penetration, such as the density ratio, and the relative strengths of penetrator and target. The simulation results are in accord with existing empirical data, shedding more light on the penetration process and emphasizing the difficulties in achieving an overall normalization procedure for this process. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.