Fuel Tank Vulnerability to Shaped Charge Jet

Abstract

The response of a fuel tank for armored vehicles attacked by a PG-7V was experimentally investigated. Free field tests as well as tests with the tank mounted to a pressure vessel were conducted. In the free field tests the reaction of the tank was examined by high speed and normal speed video. In the pressure vessel tests additionally pressure and temperature were measured at different locations inside the vessel. It was found that combustion of the fuel occurs independent from fuel type and impact point, but the intensity of the combustion seems to be higher if the shaped charge jet strikes the ullage. Further, the temperature of the fuel as well as of the surrounding surfaces was identified as a crucial factor for the occurrence of sustained fires.