Modeling and Analysis of a 66mm Shaped Charge

Abstract Introduction Shaped charges have been pivotal in military and industrial applications for over a century for their ability to penetrate hard targets with remarkable efficiency [1]. A generic 66mm shaped charge device is widely used as a screening tool to evaluate the performance of new explosive formulations such as high energy and combined effects explosives. The device under consideration has a 1mm thick copper liner with a 6mm spherical apex and a 44 degree cone angle. This experiment is widely used to study the coupling of explosive work output to a metal liner, and is usually performed unconfined. In the present work, this item is loaded with a high nitramine content pressed explosive. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the modeling and analysis of the shaped charge experiment, focusing on the critical stages of explosive detonation, jet formation, jet elongation and particulation, as well as target penetration as a function of standoff. A multi-faceted approach is adopted, combining computer simulations, analytic modeling, and experimental data to provide a thorough description of the relevant mechanics. High-fidelity numerical simulations were performed using the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Eulerian hydrodynamic code PAGOSA. These calculations were used to elucidate the factors influencing jet formation including material strength, equation of state, geometry, and detonation models. Analytic modeling of the jet breakup and penetration mechanics were also used to predict the effects of jet characteristics and standoff on target penetration. The experimental methodology and data reduction procedures are briefly outlined, and modeling predictions are compared to experimental data.