The influence of projectile geometry on adiabatic shear and target failure

An examination has been carried out of the ability of projectiles of three different geometries to perforate plates of an age hardened aluminum alloy. It was found that flat-ended projectiles perforate the target with greater ease than projectiles with more rounded ends. The results are discussed in terms of the ability of a particular projectile geometry to promote adiabatic shear during penetration and the mode of fracture when projectile breakout occurs.