Numerical simulation study on the penetration of a TiZrNbW high-entropy alloy projectile into semi-infinite targets

To address the limitations of conventional inert metallic projectiles, this study investigates the high-velocity penetration behavior of TiZrNbW high-entropy alloy with both high strength and impact-induced reactivity through experiments and numerical simulations. Material parameters were calibrated from quasi-static and dynamic compression tests, and a Johnson–Cook constitutive model combined with a Lagrange–SPH coupled algorithm was employed to simulate penetration into a semi-infinite target, capturing large deformation and continuous fragmentation. The results show that the model exhibits good predictive capability for targets with different strength levels. The TiZrNbW projectile demonstrates a pronounced self-sharpening mechanism in 45 steel, where dynamic fragmentation of the nose continuously forms new penetration fronts, maintaining high penetration efficiency. The residual projectile and fragment cloud exhibit an umbrella-shaped distribution, corresponding to a trumpet-shaped penetration channel, providing insights into penetration mechanisms and design of advanced energetic structural materials.