Segmentation of high-speed/hypervelocity penetrators: Criteria of effectiveness based on approximate analytical models

The depths of penetration into a semi-infinite shield by a monolithic striker and by a sequence of several segments having the same total mass (a segmented impactor) are compared for high-speed and hypervelocity penetration regimes. On the basis of the approach that does not require specifying particular models and their parameters, we suggest criteria which allow predicting the advantage of the segmented impactors over monolithic strikers or, conversely, noneffectiveness of segmentation. We consider also the influence of the sizes and the number of segments on the total depth of penetration.