Experimental Test of the Theory of Penetration by Metallic Jets

Abstract

Experimental measurements of jet velocity and of penetration velocity as functions of depth of penetration are described for lined cavity charges fired into several types of target material and under a variety of experimental conditions. The results show that the hydrodynamic theory of penetration of Pugh and of Hill, Mott, and Pack describes very accurately the early stages of the penetration process. Strength of the target becomes an appreciable factor in the later stages, however. A simple modification of the theory is described which appears to account adequately for these strength effects. Some alterations in ideas concerning the mechanism of penetration by the jet after fracture are also described.