A comparative investigation on motion model of spherical fragments penetration into gelatin

Gelatin is a popular tissue simulant in biomedical applications. The behavior of a spherical fragment and the effects of penetrating a simulant are similar in biological tissue. In order to accurately describe the interaction between a spherical fragment and muscle tissue, this paper discusses the wounding mechanism and the difference between the Sturdivan model, the Segletes model, the Liu model, and an improved motion model previously established considering the effect of strain rate by us based on the properties of gelatin. In addition, experiments conducted into spherical fragment penetration into gelatin, with fragment diameters 3, 4 and 4.8 mm, and acquisition of the corresponding motion law are discussed. Numerical calculations reveal that the motion model has a better fit with experimental values than the Sturdivan, Segletes and Liu models. Further, it more accurately describes the motion of a spherical fragment penetrating gelatin than other models and also has good generality. Thus, it can provide a theoretical reference for small arms ammunition design and wound treatment.