Preliminary design analysis for earth penetrating vehicles

A simplified method of analysis for use in preliminary design of earth penetrators has been developed. The objectives have been simplicity, rapid turnaround and low cost, in addition to sufficient accuracy for adequate prediction of primary physical processes and associated variables. Based upon a stress wave transmission approach, the method applies to axisymmetric response of projectiles of revolution due to normal impact events in its current state of development. Results are presented for strain and acceleration time histories on a penetrator that has been impact tested. Analysis predictions and available experimental data are in excellent agreement, which indicates that the method is effective as well as efficient.