Shape optimization of high-speed penetrators: A review

In spite of a large number of publications on shape optimization of penetrating projectiles there are no dedicated surveys of these studies. The goal of the present review is to close this gap. The review includes more than 50 studies published since 1980 and devoted to solving particular problems of shape optimization of high-speed penetrators. We analyze publications which employed analytical and numerical method for shape optimization of high-speed penetrators against concrete, metal, fiber-reinforced plastic laminate and soil shields. We present classification of the mathematical models used for describing interaction between a penetrator and a shield. The reviewed studies are summarized in the table where we display the following information: the model; indicate whether the model accounts for or neglects friction at the surface of penetrator; criterion for optimization (depth of penetration into a semi-infinite shield, ballistic limit velocity for a shield having a finite thickness, several criteria); class of considered shapes of penetrators (bodies of revolution, different classes of 3-D bodies, etc.); method of solution (analytical or numerical); in comments we present additional information on formulation of the optimization problem. The survey also includes discussion on certain methodological facets in formulating shape optimization problems for high-speed penetrators.