An analytical model for high velocity impact on confined explosive configurations

The impact of a projectile travelling at high velocity upon confined or unconfined explosive can result in catastrophic events if detonation occurs. One important mechanism for initiation is shock. While hydrocodes with suitable burn models undoubtedly offer the best approach for the investigation of such shock induced events in detail, there is also no doubt that analytical models can be very useful in scoping studies or in the development of empirical models useful for rapid investigations under specific circumstances. With these aims in mind, a model for impact upon a confined explosive is derived using very simple models for mechanical and reactive material response. It is demonstrated by comparison with experiments that the model is effective in capturing the dependence of the critical impact velocity for detonation upon projectile diameter.