Modeling Threshold Velocity of Hemispherical and Ogival-Nose Tungsten-Alloy Penetrators Perforating Finite Aluminum Targets

This study examines the ability of the CTH hydrocode to predict the effect of rod nose shape on the transition from rigid body to eroding rod penetration for tungsten alloy long rod penetrators perforating finite aluminum targets. Two rod nose shapes and two target alloys were considered. The rod nose shapes were hemispherical and ogival, and the target alloys were 7.62 cm thick 5083 and 7039 aluminum. Results are compared to an experimental study that delineated the effect of nose shape on the threshold velocity at which tungsten alloy penetrators transition from rigid body to eroding rod when perforating finite aluminum targets.