A two-dimensional analysis of penetration by an eroding projectile

A full two-dimensional solution is obtained for the problem of high velocity penetration by an eroding long rod projectile into a thick target. The present analysis is based on the methods of dynamic plasticity in contrast to the 1-D treatments of Alekseevskii [ Combustion, Explosion and Shock Waves, Vol. 2 (1966)] and of Tate [ J. Mech. Phys. Solids 15, 287–399 (1967) and 17, 141–150 (1969)] using the modified hydrodynamics approach. The formulation considers fully developed plastic flow fields in the penetrator and in the target. A variational theorem is used to constrain the geometry of each of those flow fields for minimum dissipation conditions. The analysis requires satisfaction of the governing equations of motion and overall force balance at the target/projectile interface. Comparisons of the present 2-D formulation with test data indicate very good agreement.