Trajectory deflection of noncircular cross-section projectile penetrating into metal targets

Abstract

To analyze the trajectory deflection of a noncircular cross-section projectile penetrating into multiple metal targets, numerical simulations with different impact velocities, projectile tip height and charge geometry are conducted. The simulation model is established using the finite element software LS-DYNA and verified based on the experiment carried out by a single-stage light gas gun. The results show that the impact velocity significantly affects the trajectory deflection of noncircular cross-section projectile. Although the deflections may be different in direction, the magnitudes exhibit decreasing trends with the increasing impact velocity. Besides, the trajectory varies from downward deflection to upward deflection with the increase of projectile tip height, and changes significantly with the tip height ranging from 0.8mm to 1.1mm. Further, as the geometry profile of projectile remains unchanged, the ones with noncircular charge exhibit better ballistic stability as compared with the circular charge projectile. This is mainly related to the variation in projectile mass instead of the variation in moment of inertia.