An Evaluation of Shaped Charge Experiments Using Concrete Components

Abstract

The current contribution presents and evaluates a series of experimental results of shaped charge jets impinging concrete targets. The purpose of this study is threefold. Firstly, the dimensions of the damaged areas, namely the crater, spalling and perforation/penetration regions were measured. Crater dimensions are found to be independent of target thickness whilst spalling dimensions are not. Secondly, the depths of penetration of Normal Strength Concrete (NSC) and Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) were compared. In these experiments the use of UHPC does not provide, on average, a significant reduction in the total depth of penetration, whilst being three times more expensive than NSC. Thirdly, the following three jet properties inside and behind the target were examined: jet velocity, jet mass and jet kinetic energy. The amount by which these properties are reduced in concrete and in air is quantified and compared. As a long term goal, these experiments aim to contribute to the assessment of existing protective structures and, likewise, to the design of future ones.