Experimental and Numerical Modelling of an EFP Formation and Performance in Application to Armour Vulnerability Assessment

Abstract The article presents the results of numerical and experimental studies on the formation and operation of explosively formed projectiles (EFP) in the MN-123 mine design. The aim was to determine the influence of the insert material type on the velocity, stability and penetration capability of the formed core. Five materials were considered in the analysis: pure copper, S355 steel, Al44200 aluminium alloy, pure lead and Zn–5Al alloy. It was shown that the density, plasticity and mechanical strength of the insert material have a significant impact on the kinetic energy and penetration depth. Aluminium achieved the highest initial velocity, but its penetration capacity was limited by its low mass. Lead provides the highest kinetic energy and deep penetration, but at a lower velocity. The density, ductility and strength of the liner were shown to have a large influence on kinetic energy and penetration depth. A single field test of copper liner provided preliminary validation (an error of −7% in crater depth), while the results for other materials should be considered numerical predictions until further experiments are conducted.