Optimization of high-speed penetration of segmented impactors using discrete and continuous models

We compare the depths of penetration (DOP) by monolithic penetrators and penetrators having the same shape but variable mass that can increase during penetration either continuously or by discrete portions (by successive additions of finite mass segments due to inelastic impact). The study is based on a widely used two-term approximate model of impactor-shield interaction, which allows investigating analytically the problem of maximizing DOP. We found a criterion that determines the possibility for increasing DOP by employing penetrators with a variable mass. Results of analytical investigation are expanded and illustrated using numerical simulations. It is shown that increased efficiency of nonmonolithic impactors can be expected for high-speed penetration into soil.