MODELS FOR METALLIC PLATES PENETRATION BY  KINETIC PENETRATOR

Predrag Elek
Slobodan Jaramaz

Apstrakt
The paper considers penetration of metallic targets by kinetic penetrators under ideal conditions. The importance of penetration process studies is in their direct practical application, which can be related to an optimum projectile design as well as to a design of ballistic protection. In the introductory chapter, the problem of penetration is defined and significance of its solving is emphasized possible applications. The classes of penetrators and targets are considered as well as the types of penetration processes. Different approaches to solving the penetration problem are also discussed and the basic penetration parameters defined. The second chapter covers a review of the most important empirical models that define the penetration process parameters.
The most significant part of the paper is related to the consideration of penetration through thin plates in the plugging regime. Four relevant analytical approaches to the penetration of thin metallic plates are analyzed in detail – the deformation-energy model, the structural model, the three-stage model and the model of deformation waves. A modification of the model of deformation waves with a deformable penetrator is also presented.
The fourth chapter deals with the penetration of targets of significant thickness. The twodimensional model, which is a considerable substantial improvement of the three-stage model, is considered.
The paper is a review of the most important empirical and analytical models for penetration of metallic plates. The analyzed models and related computer programs for penetration modeling are useful methodological instruments for analysis and design of projectiles and for ballistic protection.
Key words: projectile, HEAT projectile, penetrator, projectile penetration, penetration, penetrating capacity, projectioe design, ballistic protection, armour protection, process modeling, mathematical modeling.