Scientific Technical Review

Shaped charge is the most effective armor-piercing mechanism, harnessing explosive charge detonation energy to form and accelerate a hypervelocity metal penetrator known as a jet. The process entails intricate dynamics including detonation wave propagation, its interaction with the metal liner, and subsequent liner collapse leading to jet formation. While both analytical and numerical models offer insight into this complex process, each approach presents distinct challenges. Analytical models, while conceptually straightforward, often rely on simplifications that compromise accuracy. Conversely, uncertainty or even unavailability of relevant material properties and high computational cost are the most important drawbacks of numerical models. Notably, the jet penetration phase imposes significantly greater computational demands compared to preceding processes of jet formation. This research aims at providing a deeper understanding of the jet interaction with target, as well as on determining its influence on penetration depth. We revisit an analytical model based on the virtual origin concept and complement it with numerical simulations using Abaqus/Explicit in a pure Eulerian domain. Through comprehensive analysis, we explore various jet parameters – such as kinetic energy, diameter, length, velocity gradient, and effective standoff distance – and their impact on penetration depth. The insights derived from this study hold practical significance for the preliminary evaluation of the shaped charge’s effectiveness and consequent refinement of the design of shaped charge projectiles or warheads.

Key words: shaped charge, jet formation, jet penetration, penetration depth, numerical simulation.

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