Analysis of the penetrability of porous rod strikers

We report on the results of experimental investigation and mathematical simulation of penetration of rod strikers made of porous materials into metallic obstacles for an axisymmetric high-speed impact. The results of investigation indicate a considerable influence of striker material porosity on the penetration process, which leads to an increase in the penetration depth as compared to monolithic strikers of the same mass and diameter at ultrahigh impact velocities. This effect is associated with accelerated formation of localized shear zones followed by fragmentation of the material. One possible approach to estimating the penetration depth is the proposed approximate (engineering) technique in which the dynamic strength characteristics of materials of interacting bodies is considered. The results of calculations based on the proposed technique are compared with experimental data and show good qualitative and quantitative agreement.