This electronic flyer highlights our capabilities and activities in Analytical Penetration Modeling. Please sign our guestbook. For additional information, e-mail Dr. J. D. Walker, Southwest Research Institute®.

Analytical Penetration Modeling 

The Walker-Anderson penetration model developed by Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) personnel is based on momentum conservation along the projectile-target centerline. Originally developed for semi-infinite metallic armors, the model can be used to solve a wide range of problems including bulging and perforation, incorporating seven different exit failure modes. The model provides a fast-running, accurate capability to estimate penetration performance in metallic, ceramic, and fabric armors.

Applications

  • Long-rod projectiles
  • Small arms (armor-piercing and ball rounds)
  • Fragment-simulating projectiles
  • Brittle materials (e.g., glass and ceramics)
  • Ballistic fabrics and composites
  • Estimates for ballistic protection such as V50, mass efficiency, and limit thickness
  • Hypervelocity impact

Comparison of Walker-Anderson model (solid lines) to experimental data for tungsten alloy and steel L/D 10 long rods into armor steel targets

 

Comparison of Walker-Anderson model (solid lines) to nose and tail positions of a long rod penetrating an armor steel target

  

 

Comparison of VS – VR and V50 by Walker-Anderson model to experimental data

 

Graph

  

 

Comparison of fabric response model (solid lines) to experimental data (symbols)

 

CBallistic limit vs. thickness predictions for FSPs, and comparison to experimental data (solid lines are the model; experimental data are denoted by the symbols)

 

The analytical model reproduces the experimental data for tungsten long-rod penetration into a semi-infinite silicon carbide target


This flyer was published in April 2009. For more information about Analytical Penetration Modeling, contact Dr. J. D. Walker, Ph.D., (210) 522-2051, or Charles Anderson, Jr., Ph.D., (210) 522-2313, Mechanical Engineering Division, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510.

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