ISSN: 1945-7545
CODEN: GTJODJ
Page Count: 7

Centrifuge Modeling for Projectile Penetration Studies

Fragaszy, RJ
Associate professor, Washington State University, Pullman, WA

Taylor, T
Assistant professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA

Abstract

This paper describes the rationale for using centrifuge modeling for projectile penetration studies in granular soils and presents details of a projectile delivery system that has been used to conduct centrifuge penetration tests. Included in the rationale is a dimensional analysis that indicates that self-weight induced stresses in the prototype soil mass should be duplicated in the model. Details of the design and construction of a projectile delivery system using a modified pistol with interchangeable barrels are presented. Comparisons between 1 g and centrifuge tests and the results of modeling-of-models centrifuge tests are also presented. These tests confirm the hypothesis that centrifuge modeling is a valid experimental technique for this phenomenon. It is also shown that 1 g and centrifuge data both fit on a single power curve relating prototype penetration to prototype mass to area ratio of the projectile.

Keywords:
centrifuge modeling, dimensional analysis, penetration, penetrator, projectile, sands, soil dynamics

Paper ID: GTJ10985J
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ10985J
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