Analytical and Numerical Consideration of Projectile Density Effect on Its Penetration Ability in Alumina Armor

In this paper, penetration of high velocity impact of 4340 steel and tungsten carbide projectiles with specific shapes in to ceramic armor that includes 10 mm alumina (95%) is considered analytically and simulated with Ls-Dyna software. Bernoulli equation used to consider the penetration velocity in ceramics, shows that the penetration is better and easier by increasing projectile density. The simulations showed the same results as well. Using the numerical solution, ballistic limit velocity (BLV) of ceramic armor is calculated and the results showed that the increase in projectile density decreased BLV and so the tungsten carbide projectile which is heavier than steel, penetrates alumina target easier and better and with lower velocity (about 100 m/s) with respect to steel projectile in which BLV is about 170 m/s. Also, comparison between the analytical and the numerical method reveals that the compatibility of these solutions are better at higher range of velocity.