Multiple impact penetration of semi-infinite concrete

An experimental study was performed to gather multiple impact, projectile penetration data into concrete. A vertical firing range was developed that consisted of a 30-06 rifle barrel mounted vertically above a steel containment chamber. 0.41 m cubes of an Air Force G mix concrete were suspended in wet sand and positioned in the steel chamber. The concrete targets were subjected to repeated constant velocity impacts from 6.4 mm diameter steel projectiles with an ogive nose shape and a length to diameter ratio of 10. A laser sight was adapted to the rifle to ensure alignment, and a break screen system measured the projectile velocity. After each impact, the projectile penetration and crater formation parameters were recorded. The penetration and crater formation data were consistent with single impact penetration data from previous studies conducted at Sandia National Laboratories. In addition, an analytic/empirical study was conducted to develop a model that predicted the penetration depth of multiple impacts into concrete targets. Using the multiple impact penetration and crater formation data, a single impact penetration model, developed by Forrestal at Sandia National Laboratories, was extended to account for the degradation of the target strength with each subsequent impact. The degradation of the target was determined empirically and included in the model as a strength-modifying factor. The model requires geometry parameters of the ogive nose projectile, projectile velocity, the number of impacts, and target compressive strength to calculate the overall penetration depth of the projectile.