Determination of an empirical model for the prediction of penetration hole diameter in thin plates from hypervelocity impact

The purpose of this work is to identify an empirical relationship that describes the size of the hole created in a thin plate from a hypervelocity impact in terms of the material properties and geometry of both the projectile and target. A multivariable power series was selected as the form of the mathematical model to develop this empirical relationship. Material properties and geometry of both the projectile and target were selected as the independent variables of this model to predict the hole diameters in targets. Comparison with historical equations reveals that these new models are more accurate predictors of target hole diameters. This statement is based on a one-to-one comparison of the equations using both the data utilized in developing the new models and “new”, independent data.