Ballistic impact on an industrial tank: Study and modeling of consequences

We have studied the sequence of events that occurs when a high-speed projectile (from 960 m s−1 to 1480 m s−1) penetrates a vessel filled with toxic liquid. We find that prior to liquid ejection several well-defined phases occur, including the phenomenon known as the “hydraulic ram.” Then a catastrophic tank failure leads to liquid ejection and fragmentation. This paper focuses on this phenomenon and explains how it can be related to the initial conditions of the target.