Semi-theoretical analyses of the concrete plate perforated by a rigid projectile

Based on the three-stage perforation model, a semi-theoretical analysis is conducted for the ballistic performances of a rigid kinetic projectile impacting on concrete plates. By introducing the projectile resistance coefficients, dimensionless formulae are proposed for depth of penetration (DOP), perforation limit thickness, ballistic limit velocity, residual velocity and perforation ratio, with the projectile nosed geometries and projectile-target interfacial friction taken into account. Based on the proposed formula for DOP and lots of penetration tests data of normal and high strength concrete targets, a new expression is obtained for target strength parameter. By comparisons between the results of the proposed formulae and existing empirical formulae and large amount of projectile penetration or perforation tests data for monolithic and segmented concrete targets, the validations of the proposed formulae are verified. It is found that the projectile-target interfacial friction can be neglected in the predictions of characteristic ballistic parameters. The dimensionless DOP for low-to-mid speed impacts of non-flat nosed projectiles increases almost linearly with the impact factor by a coefficient of 2/(πS). The anti-perforation ability of the multilayered concrete plates is dependent on both the target plate thickness and the projectile impact velocity. The variation range of the perforation ratio is 1–3.5 for concrete targets.