Trajectory characteristics of oblique penetration of projectile into concrete targets considering cratering effect

To better understand the trajectory characteristics of oblique penetration of projectile into concrete targets, the trajectory model of projectile based on the 2-D motion equations was established. The wake-separation effect and the cratering effect are both considered in this model. The model describing the cratering effect was established according to the splashing phenomenon of crushing medium at cratering stage. Furthermore, the reliability of the trajectory model was verified through a series of oblique penetrations experiments, and the predicted results agree well with the experimental data. Finally, influences of length-diameter ratio, caliber-radius-head, and the relative location of the center of mass on the trajectory characteristics were discussed. The results show that the asymmetric cratering effect is the main factor of trajectory deflection. The smaller the length-diameter ratio and caliber-radius-head, and the larger the relative location of the center of mass, the more obvious the trajectory deflection phenomenon. Compared with the caliber-radius-head, the length-diameter ratio and the relative location of the center of mass are the main factors affecting the stability of trajectory. In addition, the trajectory converges from a curvilinear motion to a linear motion. The characteristic convergence velocity depends linearly on the relative location of the center of mass and the impact velocity. Compared with the caliber-radius-head, length-diameter ratio and relative location of the center of mass, the impact velocity is the main factor affecting the characteristic convergence velocity.