A Consistent Framework for the Assessment of Angled Penetration

Abstract

Recent studies have identified routes to modularizing projectile penetration calculations. These, along with work to derive factors for behaviours such as nose erosion and wake separation, make a uniform modular penetration framework for the PALETTE terminal effects code desirable. This paper presents a modular approach, based on the Differential Area Force Law (DAFL) approach. In order to incorporate empirically based historical penetration routines a transform to a DAFL resistance function is required. Using this approach a conical nose penetration relation has been transformed and tested, showing results within 0.034% of the original model. This enables the transformed empirical relation to be used in DAFL analyses considering impact angles with respect to both the surface and velocity vector (which result in curved trajectories). We have also introduced an automated approach for the selection of appropriate models, which will form part of the PALETTE modular penetration approach in future versions.