Theoretical study on penetration of closed cell aluminium foams by truncated cone nosed projectiles

Abstract

In this paper, the mechanical behaviour of closed cell aluminium foams against truncated cone nosed projectile penetration is studied theoretically. An analytical model based on dynamic cavity expansion theory and previous experiment data is presented. The analytical equations are derived for the penetration resistance and the velocity during the whole penetrating process. The effects of the mass density of target material, the geometry and initial velocity of the projectiles on the final penetration depth are investigated in detail. It is shown that the final penetration depth mostly lies on the density of aluminium foams and the kinetic energy of projectiles. On the basis of the model, instantaneous state of the projectiles can be predicted.

Keywords:

• Aluminium foams
• Penetration
• Truncated cone nosed
• Cavity expansion theory

The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support from the Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 10772130) and Young Scholar Leader Foundation of Shanxi Province, China.