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The influence of pitch (vertical yaw) angle on the penetration reduction of rod projectiles into oblique targets has been investigated for tungsten sinter alloy rods with a blunt nose and LID = 20. Semi-infinite RHA targets with an obliquity of 30 deg, 45 deg, and 60 deg were impacted at 1650 mis. The pitch angles were varied between ±90 deg. The strong asymmetric behavior of the target crater is dependent on whether the pitch is positive or negative relative to the obliquity of the target. The experiments provide a good overview of the penetration characteristics of long rods for the whole pitch angle range. The penetration data are described by empirical relations that show good agreement with the experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we formulate and explore the characteristics of iter-ative learning in ballistic control problems, where the projectile experiences a constant gravitational force and a fluid drag force that is quadratic in speed. Three scenarios are considered in the spatial learning process, where the shooting speed, shooting angle, or their combination, are, respectively, the manipulated variables. The viewed endpoint displacement is the controlled variable. Under the framework of iterative learning control, bal-listic learning convergence is derived in the presence of process uncertainties. In the end, an illustrative example is provided to verify the validity of the proposed ballistic learning control schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

\As modern helmets have become quite capable of defeating the penetration capabilities of ballistic threats, Soldiers may experience head injuries due to blunt trauma caused by helmet back face deformation (BFD). Possible resulting injuries include skull fracture, hematoma, concussion, contusion, diffuse axonal injury, etc. Some of these injuries have been associated with traumatic brain injury. In order to assess potential injury mechanisms prior to fielding new helmets, we have developed a means to experimentally replicate and measure helmet BFD that can be correlated to injury criteria. In this study, helmet performance test methodology is developed using a digital image correlation (DIC) technique. DIC provides the capability to measure dynamic displacements, thereby providing the ability to calculate deformation, velocity, and acceleration rates. We have shown that digital image correlation is an experimentation technique that accurately captures BFD area and rate of deformation for impacts against combat helmets. We used the DIC data to calculate a new metric; the available energy that could potentially impact a Soldier's head. Our study shows that DIC data upholds the hypothesis that helmet BFD mechanically loads the skull similar to a direct impact from a less-than-lethal projectile or blunt object impact. The available energy obtained from DIC measurements was used to calculate the blunt criterion (BC) for helmet standoff distances of 12.7 mm (0.5 in) and 19.1 mm (0.75 in), which in turn can provide a prediction of the probability of abbreviated injury scale (AIS) levels and, in particular, skull fracture. DIC can be used to provide dynamic helmet performance data that will allow increased understanding of BFD and quantitative assessment and validation of helmet performance results. Knowledge of the conditions leading to head trauma obtained through DIC experimentation should enable the selection of new energy-absorbing materials for helmets; thus, allowing new helmet design candidate performances to be objectively evaluated. Test data and characterization of helmet response could then be used to achieve improved warfighter survivability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transverse impact response of a linear elastic Kevlar® KM2 fiber yarn was determined at various striking speeds from Hopkinson bar and gas gun experiments incorporated with high-speed photography techniques. Upon transverse impact, a triangle shape was formed in the fiber yarn. Both longitudinal and transverse waves were produced and propagated outwards the fiber yarn. Both the angle of the triangle and Euler transverse wave speed vary with striking speeds. The relationship between the Euler transverse wave speed and the striking speed was determined. The transverse impact response of the fiber yarn was also analyzed with a model, which agrees well with the experimental results. The model shows that the longitudinal wave speed is critical in the ballistic performance of the fiber yarn. At a certain striking speed, a higher longitudinal wave speed produces a higher Euler transverse wave speed, enabling us to spread the load and dissipate the impact energy faster, such that the ballistic performance of the fiber yarn is improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental and numerical study of ballistic impacts on steel plates at various temperatures (700 °C, 400 °C and room temperature) has been carried out. The motivation for this work is the blade-off event that may occur inside a jet engine turbine. However, as a first attempt to understand this complex loading process, a somewhat simpler approach is carried out in the present work. The material used in this study is the FV535 martensitic stainless steel, which is one of the most commonly used materials for turbine casings. Based on material test data, a Modified Johnson-Cook (MJC) model was calibrated for numerical simulations using the LS-DYNA explicit finite element code. To check the mesh size sensitivity, 2D axisymmetric finite element models with three different mesh sizes and configurations were used for the various temperatures. Two fixed meshes with 64 and 128 elements over the 2 mm thick plate and one mesh with 32 elements over the thickness with adaptive remeshing were used in the simulations. Both the formation of adiabatic shear bands in the perforation process and the modeling of the thermal softening effects at high temperatures have been found crucial in order to achieve good results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the design and development of solid propellant rocket motors, the use of numerical tools able to predict the behavior of a given motor is particularly important in order to decrease the planning times and costs. This paper is devoted to present the results of the internal ballistics numerical simulation of the NAWC tactical motor n. 6, from ignition to burn-out, by means of a quasi-one-dimensional unsteady numerical simulation model, SPINBALL, coupled with a three-dimensional grain burnback model, GREG. In particular, the attention is focused on the effects on the SRM behavior of the erosive burning, total pressure drops and the cause of the pressure overpeak occurring during the last part of the ignition transient. The final objective is to develop an analysis/simulation capability of SRM internal ballistics for the entire combustion time with simplified physical models, in order to have reduced the computational costs, but ensuring an accuracy greater than the one usually given by zero-dimensional models. The results of the simulations indicate a very good agreement with the experimental data, as no attempt of submodels calibration is made, enforcing the ability of the proposed approach to predict the SRMs internal flow-field conditions. The numerical simulations show that NAWC n. 6 internal ballistics is completely led by the erosive burning, that is the root cause of the pressure peak occurring immediately after the SRM start-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex phenomena occur in a combustion chamber during a ballistic cycle. From the ignition of the black powder in the primer to the exit of the projectile through the muzzle, two-phase gas-powder mix undertakes various transfers in different forms. A detailed comprehension of these effects is fundamental to predict the behavior of the whole system, considering performances and safety. Although the ignition of the powder bed is three-dimensional due to the primer's geometry, simulations generally only deal with one- or two-dimensional problem. In this study, we propose a method to simulate the two-phase flows in 1, 2 or 3 dimensions with the same system of partial differential equations. A one-pressure, conditionally hyperbolic model [1] was used and solved by a nonconservative finite volume scheme associated to a fractional step method, where each step is hyperbolic. We extend our study to a two-pressure, unconditionally hyperbolic model [2] in which a relaxation technique was applied in order to recover the one-pressure model by using the granular stress. The second goal of this study is also to propose an improved ignition model of the powder grains, by taking into account simplified chemical kinetics for decomposition reactions in the two phases. Here we consider a 0th-order solid decomposition and an unimolecular, 2nd-order gas reaction. Validation of the algorithm on several test cases is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the key technologies of stacked projectile weapons is projectile positioning. However, the present projectile positioning structures have their respective advantages and shortcomings. A new structure based on the self-locking principle is put forward in this paper and verified as feasible by static analysis if the proper material and structural parameters are chosen. In order to check the strength and verify the feasibility of the structure under launch conditions, the multibody contact finite element model of the structure is established, coupled with dynamic load in the interior ballistic cycle. According to simulations and analysis, the projectile positioning structure is feasible and the strength of the projectile can meet the strength requirement for launch conditions. For different maximum static friction coefficients, simulations show that an increase in the maximum static friction coefficient between the contact surfaces of the positioning ring and barrel improves the positioning performance, but an increase in the maximum static friction coefficient between the contact surfaces of the positioning ring and projectile worsens. On the basis of great computation, it is found that an increase in the upper thickness and height of the positioning ring improves the positioning performance, but an increase in the lower thickness worsens the positioning performance. Further, a lower thickness affects the positioning performance more greatly. As a result, the positioning ring will be thin and light to improve the positioning performance. Compared with other positioning structures, the new structure has little influence on the ballistic performance and is a good application prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In laser ignition systems, to ignite the propellant, the laser has to be transmitted into chamber through an optical window. If the optical window is destroyed by high pressure or high temperature or contaminated by the black powder residue, the ignition system will fail in further firings. The sapphire window can withstand the high pressure and high temperature of the ballistic cycle, but it is necessary to keep the window clean for the laser to transmit repeatedly. In modular charge systems or fully combustible cartridge cases, there is no place to put a shield window as in ammunition with stub base; thus a new contamination prevention method is put forward. In this method, the hydrodynamic force is used to divert the gas flow in a cavity located in the breech to avoid contact with the optical window and prevent it from being contaminated. To verify the effectiveness of this structure, a three-dimensional unsteady discrete phase model (DPM) coupled with an interior ballistic process was established. The simulation rsults indicated that the flow jet from the direct orifice was diverted, and particle debris did not contaminate the optical window due to the hydrodynamic force. Various factors influencing the contamination prevention effect were discussed, and the structure parameters were optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic crack propagation across a perpendicular interface in a glass specimen was investigated to understand the interaction between the crack and the interface under impact loading. The glass specimen was composed of two glass plates in an edge-to-edge configuration with an adhesive layer in between. One of the plates had a notch for a plastic projectile to strike. A single crack developed from the notch tip, and propagated perpendicularly into the interface. The patterns of crack propagation across the interface depend on the adhesive conditions on the interface. Within a range of impact speeds, the crack is arrested at the interface without any adhesive. The crack passes across a firmly bonded interface with little obstruction by the interface. The crack branches into multiple cracks after it passes through a thicker interface filled with adhesive. Projectiles having higher kinetic energies cause more severe crack branching after the crack extends into the second glass plate [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass impact experiments were designed at three different scales-0.22-cal, 0.375-cal, and 0.50-cal-named after the diameter of the bullets. Four experimental series were conducted at the three scale sizes: (1) Lexan®-only experiments; (2) monoblock glass experiments; (3) single impact bonded glass experiments, and (4) multi-hit experiments. The experiments were conducted to obtain residual velocity Vr as a function of impact (striking) velocity Vs, including sufficient partial penetrations to calculate a ballistic limit velocity V50. The Vs - Vr data were fit to the Lambert equation to obtain another estimate of V50. The objective of the experiments was to investigate whether a time dependency exists in glass damage/failure for ballistic experiments, and if so, quantify this dependence. No scale effect was observed in experimental results for the Lexan®-only experiments. But a variety of scale effects were observed in the glass impact experiments, suggesting that failure is time dependent within the timeframe of ballistic events [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided projectile terminal phase against target at ground level is investigated using an adjoint simulation. A pseudo-optimal projectile navigation gain is looked for against a target disturbing the projectile guidance. The use of counter-measures is "modeled" as a suddenly detected target abrupt motion during the guidance terminal phase. The miss distances obtained are studied and the projectile optimal navigation gain is chosen based on the maximum tolerated miss distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An overview of the Magnus effect of projectiles and missiles is presented. The first part of the paper is devoted to the description of the physical mechanisms governing the Magnus effect. For yawing and spinning projectiles, at small incidences, the spin induces a weak asymmetry of the boundary layer profiles. At high incidences, increased spin causes the separated vortex sheets to be altered. Vortex asymmetry generates an additional lateral force which gives a vortex contribution to the total Magnus effect. For finned projectiles or missiles, the origin of the Magnus effect on fins is the main issue. There are two principal sources contributing to the Magnus effect. Firstly, the interaction between the asymmetric boundary layer-wake of the body and the fins, and secondly, the spin induced modifications of the local incidences and of the flow topology around the fins. The second part of the paper is devoted to the numerical prediction and validation of these flow phenomena. A state of the art is presented including classical CFD methods based on Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and unsteady rans (URANS) equations, and also hybrid RANS/LES approach called ZDES. This last method is a recent advance in turbulence modeling methodologies that allows to take into account the unsteadiness of the flow in the base region. For validation purposes computational results were compared with wind tunnel tests. A wide range of angles of attack, spin rates, Reynolds and Mach numbers (subsonic, transonic and supersonic) have been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a computational constitutive model for glass subjected to large strains, high strain rates and high pressures. The model has similarities to a previously developed model for brittle materials by Johnson, Holmquist and Beissel (JHB model), but there are significant differences. This new glass model provides a material strength that is dependent on the location and/or condition of the material. Provisions are made for the strength to be dependent on whether it is in the interior, on the surface (different surface finishes can be accommodated), adjacent to failed material, or if it is failed. The intact and failed strengths are also dependent on the pressure and the strain rate. Thermal softening, damage softening, time-dependent softening, and the effect of the third invariant are also included. The shear modulus can be constant or variable. The pressure-volume relationship includes permanent densification and bulking. Damage is accumulated based on plastic strain, pressure and strain rate. Simple (single-element) examples are presented to illustrate the capabilities of the model. Computed results for more complex ballistic impact configurations are also presented and compared to experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used a combined experimental and modeling approach to characterize and quantify the interaction among bullet, body armor, and human surrogate targets during the 10–1000 µs range that is crucial to evaluating the protective effectiveness of body armor against blunt injuries. Ballistic tests incorporating high-speed flash X-ray measurements were performed to acquire the deformations of bullets and body armor samples placed against ballistic clay and gelatin targets with images taken between 10 µs and 1 ms of the initial impact. Finite element models (FEMs) of bullet, armor, and gelatin and clay targets were developed with material parameters selected to best fit model calculations to the test measurements. FEMs of bullet and armor interactions were then assembled with a FEM of a human torso and FEMs of clay and gelatin blocks in the shape of a human torso to examine the effects of target material and geometry on the interaction. Test and simulation results revealed three distinct loading phases during the interaction. In the first phase, the bullet was significantly slowed in about 60 µs as it transferred a major portion of its energy into the body armor. In the second phase, fibers inside the armor were pulled toward the point of impact and kept on absorbing energy until about 100 µs after the initial impact when energy absorption reached its peak. In the third phase, the deformation on the armor's back face continued to grow and energies inside both armor and targets redistributed through wave propagation. The results indicated that armor deformation and energy absorption in the second and third phases were significantly affected by the material properties (density and stiffness) and geometrical characteristics (curvature and gap at the armor-target interface) of the targets. Valid surrogate targets for testing the ballistic resistance of the armor need to account for these factors and produce the same armor deformation and energy absorption as on a human torso until at least about 100 µs (maximum armor energy absorption) or more preferably 300 µs (maximum armor deformation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of a high-hardness steel armor plate inside the bodywork of a vehicle may result in a decrease in the overall ballistic resistance. This phenomenon is referred to as the bodywork effect. The effect was examined for a 5.56 × 45 mm North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ball projectile. Previously reported experimental work has confirmed the numerically based assumption that the bodywork effect was due to the flattening of the tip of the projectile upon perforation of the frontal bodywork plate prior to hitting the integrated armor. The amount of qualitative and quantitative experimental data has now been extended. In order to eliminate the data dispersion observed after perforating the bodywork, an adapted projectile geometry with a truncated nose was fired directly against the armor plate. Ballistic testing also involved firing a soft-core 5.56 × 45 mm projectile for which a similar mechanism was observed. A finite element code was used to simulate the impact process for the different types of projectiles. The parameters of the selected strength and failure models were experimentally determined for the high-hardness armor plate. As to the ballistic limit velocity and plugging morphology there is a good correspondence between the experimental and computed results. Nevertheless, an improved failure model is necessary to get satisfactory computed residual projectile velocities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The U.S. Army uses several types of tests to increase the reliability of gun-fired munitions. Systems, subsystems, and components are gun fired to assess reliability. When failures are found, root-cause investigations are completed and parts may be redesigned. For in- stance, the 155 mm projectile Excalibur uses several types of tests to find failures and build reliability. Components are tested in a rail gun, a new soft-catch gun, and in soft recovery vehicles. With the rail gun, test projectiles are fired from a worn gun tube into a trough of water The soft-catch gun, a hybrid system using both air and water, has a standard cannon tube and a series of catch tubes to stop a projectile. The third type of test, a soft recovery vehicle, uses a modified tactical Excalibur with a parachute for a soft landing. All three types of tests have on-board recorders to capture ballistic accelerations. Accelerometer data are used in failure investigations, redesign parts, and to design new projectiles. The purpose of this paper is to compare accelerations from different types of ballistic tests. Comparisons were done to determine if the tests were in the same statistical family. Comparisons are made for a United States MACS 5 charge. The maxi- mum axial forces were the same for the soft-catch gun and the soft recovery vehicle. In the balloting directions, the rail gun and soft recovery vehicle had similar forces. The set forward forces differed in all three cases, reflecting the different catch mechanisms for the projectiles. Comparisons of g-forces were also made using shock response spectra. The shock response indicated that the damage potential is greatest for the rail gun tests, consistent with an increase rate of failures for some electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rarefaction wave gun (RAVEN) propulsion has renewed interest in the fundamental limits of recoil reductions attainable by redirecting propellant gases rearward from a gun without compromising the projectile propulsion. Compared with a conventional gun there is a great difference in the launch process and launch structure. This paper is concerned with an analysis of the dynamic characteristics of this high performance weapon system by numerical simulation. Based on its launch mechanism and launch structure, the vibration equation describing the vibration characteristics of RAVEN was established by vibration theory, which considered the actual movement of the projectile and inertial breech by coupling the interior ballistic equations of the rarefaction wave gun. A rigid-flexible dynamic model, which considered the coupling effect between the elastic vibration of the launch barrel and the dynamic behaviors of the other parts of the RAVEN, is established via a subsystem method. The vibration response of RAVEN during the launch is analyzed by numerical simulation. Comparisons are presented based on the conventional gun, as well as the rules of how the different parameters affect the vibration response. During the launching of RAVEN, the launch barrel shows significant vibration due to the effect of the propellant gases, the inertial breech, and the projectile, and there is some reduction in the vibration amplitude compared with that observed in a conventional closed chamber gun. The vibration amplitude and duration of the launch barrel, which increased with a decrease in the loading density, an increase in the mass of the inertial breech and projectile, and a delay of the venting time, is affected in a more significant manner by changes in loading density and the mass of projectile. The coupled effect between the launch barrel and the other parts of RAVEN are most prevalent in the z-direction. The vibration amplitude along the z-direction is higher than that of the y-direction. When the coupled effect is considered, the transverse vibration response of the flexible barrel has some reduction compared with the one that does not exhibit the coupling effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cased telescoped ammunition (CTA) is a kind of charge structure with projectile embedded in the cartridge case. The advantages of CTA, compared with concepts using conventional ammunition, are: (1) reduced charge/ammunition volume, (2) improved performance, and (3) enhanced power and survivabillity of armament. The projectile is placed in the control tube of the cartridge before shooting. After the primer is struck, propellant product gases, generated by the igniter charge burning in the central igniter tube, drive the projectile to move forward along the control tube, and then causing the main propellants around the igniter tube and control tube to burn. Therefore, in the process of interior ballistics, there is a motion of the projectile in the control tube before the projectile engraves the rifles, in contrast with the traditional ammunition. The consistency of this motion has an important influence on the stability of CTA interior ballistic performance. The experiments on the ignition and combustion of propellants and motion of projectile in the control tube are carried out using a high-speed video recording system in this study. The projectile velocity at the entrance of the rifle is obtained from the recorded images. A two-phase flow model of CTA is also established and simulated by using the two-phase flow method and computational fluid dynamics technology. The calculated projectile velocity is in good agreement with the experimental data. The numerical results show that the developed mathematical model gives the correct trend and can provide useful calculated parameters for the structural design of CTA components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the influence of mesh sensitivity on the fracture predictions during penetration and perforation of hardened blunt-nose cylindrical steel projectiles in plates of Weldox 460E, Weldox 700E, and Weldox 900E steel has been studied. The main objective is to try to describe the experimentally obtained trend of a decrease in ballistic limit velocity with increased target strength when the plates are impacted by blunt projectiles. This behavior is due to the occurrence of highly localized shear bands as the target strength increases. The impact tests are analyzed using the explicit solver of a nonlinear finite element code. A thermoelastic-thermoviscoplastic constitutive model with coupled or uncoupled ductile damage was used in the simulations. It was found that the residual velocity continuously increases when the element size is decreased from 125 μm to 15μm in the shear zone, and that this increase is significantly stronger for impact velocities close to the ballistic limit. The ballistic limit decreases by up to 25% when the size of the element is decreased from 125 μm to 30 μm; the decrease being somewhat greater for the two steels with the highest strength. Even with the finest mesh, the experimental trend of a decreasing ballistic limit with increasing target strength was not predicted in the simulations, neither with coupled nor uncoupled damage. Nonlocal simulations based on smoothing of the damage and temperature fields, which are the two variables causing the softening, were carried out for the Weldox steels and a mesh size of 30 μm. These simulations indicate a reduction in the mesh sensitivity for both the coupled and uncoupled damage approaches when nonlocal averaging is employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need to study the biomechanical response of the head to blunt ballistic impact. While the frequency of less-lethal munition impacts to the head may be less than other vital body regions, more serious injuries have been attributed to these impacts. This study aims to establish biomechanical response corridors for the temporo-parietal region for future development of biomechanical surrogate devices. Seven unembalmed post-mortem human subject specimens were exposed to blunt ballistic temporoparietal head impact (103 g, 38 mm diameter impactor) to determine the force-time, deformation-time, and force-deformation responses. Comparisons were made to responses from prior blunt ballistic head impact studies, as well as automotive-related impact studies. Peak forces for impact condition A (19.5 ±2.6 m/s) were 3659 ± 1248 N with deformations at peak force of 7.3 ± 2.] mm. Peak forces for impact condition B (33.6± 1.4 m/s) were 5809 ± 1874 N with deformations at peak force of 9.9 ± 2.6 mm. Seven fractures were produced in the seven specimens. Depressed comminuted fracture types were documented in six of the seven cases. The average stiffness of the temporo-parietal region under blunt ballistic impact was 0.46 ± 0.14 kN/mm. Stiffness results indicate that the response of the temporo-parietal region is similar to the forehead under blunt ballistic loading conditions. In addition, the response is significantly less stiff when compared with temporo-parietal impacts performed in automotive-related studies. These data provide the foundation for future research in the area of blunt ballistic head impact research including the development of biomechanical surrogates and computational models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work brings forward a twofold contribution relevant to the adiabatic shear banding (ASB) process as a part of dynamic plasticity of high-strength metallic materials. The first contribution is a reassessment of a three-dimensional finite deformation model starting from a specific scale postulate and devoted to cover a wide range of dissipative phenomena, including ASB-related material instabilities (strong softening prefailure stage). The model, particularly destined to deal with impacted structures was first detailed by (Longère et al. .2003, "Modelling Adiabatic Shear Banding Via Damage Mechanics Approach," Arch. Mech., 55, pp. 3-38; 2005, "Adiabatic Shear Banding Induced Degradation in a Thermo-Elastic/Viscoplastic Material Under Dynamic Loading," Int. J. Impact Eng., 32, pp. 285-320). The second novel contribution concerns numerical solution of a genuine ballistic penetration problem employing the above model for a target plate material. The ASB trajectories are shown to follow a multistage history and complex distribution pattern leading finally to plugging failure mechanism. The corresponding analysis and related parametric study are intended to put to the test the pertinency of the model as an advanced predictive tool for complex shock related problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A device was designed and built that attaches to servohydraulic machines that typically perform material fatigue testing. The device was designed to systematically fold woven fabric and yarns of ballistic fibers to assess the impact of mechanical folding, such as may occur during use, on ballistic fiber properties. Initial tests indicate that the device repeatedly folds a piece of woven fabric at the same location. However, when the device is in the open position, a consistent 1 cm movement of the fabric was observed. A slight modification of the device is required to eliminate this movement. After cycling a piece of woven poly(benzoxazole) (PBO) fabric for 5500 cycles, an 18% reduction in the ultimate tensile strength and strain to failure of the PBO fibers was observed. Research is continuing to determine a relevant and optimized testing protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the biomechanical factors affecting the peak hand reaction force in the bimanual arrest of a ballistic pendulum. Decrease in velocity of the hands and arms; Effect of elbow angle on peak hand impact force; Association of upper extremity dynamics with age.

Information about several papers discussed at the 25th International Symposium on Ballistics (ISB) on the history of science of ballistics and the creation of the International Symposium on Ballistics is presented. Topics include on weapon performance, the origins and drivers for the ISB, and the evolution of its development through the International Ballistics Committee. The symposium featured several pioneers including Robert Eichelberger, Dick Dowd, and Martin Summerfeld.

This study investigated why the design of ancient throwing machines evolved from eutitonon (arms outside the mainframe) to palintonon (arms inside the mainframe) from the end of the first century B.C. to the first century A.D. and evaluated the mechanical advantages of the new design. Palintonon was first used for big machines; in the following centuries, it was also used for much smaller machines. Essentially, the palintonon design has several advantages: more elastic energy can be stored in the hair bundles representing the motors of these machines, heavier projectiles can be thrown with the same charging effort, projectiles are stressed by lower acceleration in the machine with the same muzzle velocity, and the throwing machines have higher efficiency. Results are also presented regarding the “internal ballistics” of these ancient throwing machines by using simulation software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate modeling of gun barrel temperature variation over time is important to assess wear and the number of shot fires needed to reach cook-off. Using lumped parameter methods, an internal ballistics code was developed to compute heat transfer to the gun barrel for given ammunition parameters. Subsequently the finite element method was employed to model gun barrel temperature history (temperature variation over time). Simulations were performed for a burst of nine shots and the results were found to match satisfactorily to the corresponding experimental measurements. Wear or erosion of the barrel during a gun fire is very sensitive toward the maximum bore surface temperature. The proposed scheme can accurately simulate gun barrel temperature history; hence improved wear calculations can be made with it. An important and unique advantage of the developed scheme is that it easily couples internal ballistics simulations with the finite element methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor informs about the scientific papers at the international symposium on ballistics in Germany, commends the editors and editorial staff of the journal for their collaborated efforts, and invites members to the upcoming symposium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Modern military operations, technology-driven war tactics, and current on-street weapons and ammunition necessitate the development of advanced ballistic protection body armor systems that are damage-resistant, flexible, lightweight, and of great energy absorbing capacity. A number of studies related to new concepts and designs of body armor materials (including those derived from or inspired by nature) have been conducted in the past two decades to meet the new demands. Ballistic fabrics, ceramics, and laminated composites are among the leading materials used in modern body armor designs, and nano-particle and natural fiber filled composites are candidate materials for new-generation body armor systems. Properties and ballistic resistance mechanisms of such materials have been extensively investigated. Based on a comprehensive and critical review of the advances and findings resulting from these investigations, a comparative study on design, protection mechanisms, and performance evaluation of various types of anti-ballistic body armor is presented in this paper. Body armor systems made from different materials and exhibiting distinct ballistic energy absorption mechanisms are discussed, and key factors that influence the ballistic performance and energy absorbing mechanisms of the body armor systems are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Launch uncertainties in uncontrolled direct fire projectiles can lead to significant impact point dispersion, even at relatively short range. A model predictive control scheme for direct fire projectiles is investigated to reduce impact point dispersion. The control law depends on projectile linear theory to create an approximate linear model of the projectile and quickly predict states into the future. Control inputs are based on minimization of the error between predicted projectile states and a desired trajectory leading to the target. Through simulation, the control law is shown to work well in reducing projectile impact point dispersion. Parametric trade studies on an example projectile configuration are reported that detail the effect of prediction horizon length, gain settings, model update interval, and model step size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a dynamic model of the interior ballistics of an experimental liquid propellant powered rifle. The liquid propellant powered rifle described utilizes a mixture of hydroxyl ammonium nitrate and hydrocarbon fuel to replace gunpowder typically used in such firearms. The motivation for such a development is to discard the need for a shell casing whereby carrying only propellant and bullets will reduce both the mass and volume per shot carried by the soldier. A first-principles dynamic model of the interior ballistics is derived as a compressible fluid power problem with the chemical liberation of heat within the chamber modeled via a condensed-phase reaction rate law. The model is used to predict the overall performance in terms of ballistic kinetic energy as well as draw design insight regarding the role of friction, chamber geometry, and the profile of chamber pressure with respect to time. Simulation results are presented as well as preliminary experimental results from a proof-of-concept device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the success of the mission Deep Impact, which culminated with the impact of a ballistic projectile on the Temple 1 comet. Material scientists would be happy to measure the mechanical strength and other solid heavenly bodies. The procedure is given for an estimation of the comet strength. The mechanical strength of the Tempel 1 comet is estimated.