A Comparative Study of Segmented Tungsten Rod Penetration Into a Thick Steel Target Plate

This thesis presents results from computational simulations of tungsten alloy segmented rod projectiles (SRP) penetrating an RHA semi-infinite target plate at high velocities. Penetration experimental data show improved penetration efficiency by the segmented projectiles when compared to monolithic (single solid rod) projectiles. For SRP with an aspect ratio (L/D) = 1/8, a loss in penetration efficiency was seen upon successive segment impacts. A numerical simulation impacting tungsten heavy alloy against RHA 4340 steel was performed using the Lagrangian finite element code EPIC 2006. The impact configuration that was modeled consisted of eight successive collinear impacts of discs measured 2mm in thickness and 16mm in diameter and travelling at 2.6km/sec. Normandia and Lee, using an Eulerian finite element code (AUTODYN), performed numerical simulations of the same configuration of the segmented rod penetration into RHA plates. Their results were compared and contrasted with those of EPIC 2006. Additionally the role of back-flowing ejecta was examined and found to perforate incoming segments. In an effort to increase penetration performance, an alternate SRP design was tested. This design implemented a hole in the center through which back-flowing ejecta would be alloto flow unimpeded.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S. in Engineering Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2012

Author dc:creator

• Presnell, Michael Bryant

Contributors dc:contributor

• Arunachalam M. Rajendran
• Tyrus McCarty
• P. Raju Mantena

• Epic
• Lagrangian Finite Element
• Segmented Rod
• Terminal Ballistics
• Mechanical Engineering

Repository record dc:identifier

https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/234

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:egrove.olemiss.edu:etd-1233