Penetration performance of axisymmetric U-shape-nose grooved projectile into aluminum target: Theoretical model and experiment

Abstract The penetration performance of projectiles is closely related to their nose shape as it influences the kinetic energy penetration of a rigid projectile. One new type of projectile, which is entitled U-shape-nose grooved projectile, is introduced in this study. A theoretical model, which describes the structural characterization of U-shape-nose grooved projectile, is constructed here to investigate the penetration characters into an aluminum target. Moreover, comparative penetration experiments were conducted to investigate the penetration performance of U-shape-nose grooved projectile. Effects of characteristic parameters and shape optimal conditions of the U-shape-nose grooved projectile on the penetration performance are analyzed with the theoretical model validated by the experimental results. It has been proved that U-shape-nose grooved projectile has a more excellent penetration performance than the ogive-nose projectile based on comparison between the results of experimental and theoretical model. The projectile with U-shape-nose grooves sharpens the nose of the projectile and changes the failure mode of target during penetration, which has advantages of decreasing penetration resistance and enhancing the depth of penetration.