An abrasion algorithm for projectile mass loss during penetration

A finite-element algorithm is presented for the computation of projectile mass loss due to abrasion at a projectile/target interface. The algorithm includes an abrasion-rate model applied to the surface nodes of the projectile, an adjustment of nodal masses, an adjustment of element volumes, and fully automatic rezoning of the projectile as required. Calibration of the abrasion-rate model is followed by a comparison of computed results to experimental observations. Both depth of penetration and total projectile mass loss as a function of impact velocity are compared.