Penetration experiments for normal impact into geological targets

Abstract A laboratory procedure, which determines resultant forces on penetrators for normal impact into geological targets, is explored. Seven experiments were conducted with conical-nosed penetrators impacted by foundry core targets (a simulated soft sandstone). Rigid body velocity of the penetrators was measured with laser interferometry and maximum decelerations and resultant forces were obtained from these data. It is concluded that this laboratory procedure can help evaluate the validity or the weaknesses of theoretical models.