Numerical analysis of critical jet penetration

In this paper, a computational program for two dimensional unsteady compressible, elastic-plastic flow is used to study low speed jet penetration into a steel target. Based on the computational results, the dynamic process of penetration can be distinguished into two stages, cratering and steady penetrating. This is in agreement with the jet penetration mechanism developed by Cheng Che Min in 1972^1,2]. The consumption of the jet energy is discussed and the value of the critical jet velocity, which represents the strength resistance of the target, is estimated.