Numerical study of long-rod penetration depth in semi-infinite targets in electromagnetic launchers

In this paper, the penetration depth of long-rod electromagnetic projectiles on semi-infinite targets is studied with a numerical approach. The results obtained from this study are compared with recent studies. The theoretical models used in the analysis of long-rod penetration on semi-infinite targets are Tate and Grace and Vahedi models. The targets and projectiles are considered to be made of several soft metals. The projectile hits the target at least at supersonic velocity (Mach number greater than one). The target is constrained to have no movement and the projectile does not pass through the target. The impact velocity of the projectile and its length to diameter ratio, are considered as a variable and the results are compared with one another. Aluminum is assumed to behave as a perfect plastic model and for the other materials, bilinear isotropic. Finally, penetration depth versus time diagrams is obtained for different velocities, materials, and geometries. The results are in good agreement with other studies in this field.