Steady state penetration of thermoviscoplastic targets (Q581122)

Steady state thermomechanical deformations of a target hit by a rigid cylindrical penetrator with an ellipsoidal nose are studied. The material of the target is assumed to be thermally softening but strain and strain- rate hardening. Results computed and presented graphically include the pressure distribution on the nose of the penetrator, dependence of the axial resisting force upon the speed on the penetrator, and the variation of field quantities such as the temperature and strain-rate in the target. Computed results show that the ratio of the major to minor axes of the ellipsoidal nose has a significant effect on the deformations of the target particles in the vicinity of the penetrator nose.