Effect of electric current on the depth of penetration of shaped-charge jets into targets

This paper presents the results of experimental and numerical studies of the behavior of metallic shaped-charge jets (SCJs) through which electric current flows. The possibility of decreasing and increasing the depth of penetration of SCJs into targets is considered. The concepts are introduced of the critical current density and the ideal shape of the current pulse at which necking magnetohydrodynamic instability develops in the jet, accompanied by volume explosion of the SCJ elements at their exit from the interelectrode gap. The development of necking magnetohydrodynamic instability in the SCJ and subsequent volume explosion of the jet material lead to a reduction in the jet length and density, and as a consequence, to a decrease in the depth of SCJ penetration into the target. It has been shown that this process can be controlled by changing the electric pulse parameters. The possibility of increasing the depth of SCJ penetration into targets under conditions where the electric current flowing through the SCJ is less than the critical value is analyzed. The process of heating of SCJs of different materials (Cu, Fe, Mo, Ta, W, etc.) by the electric current flowing through them is considered. It is shown that the use of electric current to heat SCJs may be a promising approach to increase the depth of penetration of SCJs into targets.