Technique to Eliminate Angle of Attack in Ballistic Testing

Abstract

In the ballistic testing of penetrators, the angle of attack is the most critical parameter affecting survival and penetration. DE Technologies, Inc., required gun-launched testing of a projectile with minimum angle of attack. Mr. Lundgren of HA Consulting suggested a technique to remove the angle of attack before target impact. A stack of plywood placed ahead of the target will separate the sabot from the projectile and reduce any angle of attack. Computer simulations were done with fast-running empirical computer codes SAMPLL and PENCRV3D as well as an explicit finite element code, EPIC. Powder gun experiments at impact velocities from 300 to 800 m/s achieved projectile angles of attack less than 0.5°.