More on the ricochet of eroding long rods—Validating the analytical model with 3D simulations

The ricochet of eroding long rods, from inclined steel targets, is investigated by a series of three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulations. These are compared with the predictions of our, previously published, analytical model for ricochet. The agreement between simulation results and model predictions is excellent, strongly enhancing our simple ricochet model. We also highlight several aspects of our model which are derived from its simple closed form. One of these is the fact that ricochet of long rods can take place only at velocities and obliquities which are higher than certain threshold values. Otherwise, the process involves rod bending and sliding along the target impact face.