The penetration of asymmetric long-rod projectiles at 2.6 km/s

The penetration ability of asymmetric long-rod projectiles at 2.6 km/s is investigated in this numerical study. Five different projectile cross sections were considered. Results from the simulations indicate that the penetration velocity of the projectiles is only marginally influenced by the cross-sectional shape of the penetrator; the greatest reductions are seen for the projectiles with the largest area moment of inertias. The largest disparity in total penetration between the different shapes is about 4%. Physical mechanisms leading to these distictions are discussed.