Research on mass loss and nose shape evolution of kinetic energy projectiles penetrating concrete at high velocity

The high-speed penetration of concrete targets by kinetic energy projectiles results in apparent mass loss, which blunts the nose of the projectile and decrease its penetration performance. The friction work between the projectile and the concrete target, the plastic deformation of the projectile, and the cutting of aggregates to the projectile significantly affect the mass loss of the projectile. To address these effects, a discrete iterative model is developed for the mass loss and nose shape evolution of the projectile by coupling three mechanisms based on the effect of temperature on strength. In the model, both friction work and plastic work increase the temperature of the projectile’s surface layer, thereby weakening the strength of this part and rendering it easier for mass loss to occur due to aggregate cutting. The model discretizes the projectile and penetration process with respect to the space and time dimensions, respectively. The mass loss and nose shape evolution of the projectile are obtained by iteratively calculating a point-by-point regression. The predicted depth of penetration (DOP), mass loss, and residual projectile profile are compared with experimental data to validate the model. The comparison shows satisfactory agreement between the calculated results and experimental data. Additionally, the deceleration, velocity, DOP, and mass loss during penetration are analyzed with respect to time. Finally, based on the model, the effects of projectile strength, caliber-radius-head (CRH), and concrete target strength on penetration are discussed. (Figure presented.).