Effect of groove structure on penetration performance of annular grooved projectiles impacting metal targets

With the continual development of advanced ammunition, a study on the effect of groove geometry on penetration performance is conducted. Based on ogive nose, an annular grooved projectile (AGP) was proposed and can generally be divided into two types (groove A and B) when considered the transition ways between groove and projectile nose. Difference in groove structures result in various penetration performance. According to dynamic cavity expansion theory and FEM simulation, the nose shape coefficient N∗, depth of penetration (DOP) and acceleration curves were analysed comparatively. The results also indicated that the firm embedded behaviour of groove B nose projectile is mainly due to the filling-material in the groove rather than the friction on contact surface, unlike traditional nose shape. Furthermore, a good agreement in calculation and simulation proved the analysis method was reasonable and feasible, and would have application potential in new concept warheads.