Further development of a model for rod ricochet

A ricochet model for long rods developed by the author has been revisited in search of solution efficiencies. By replacing a moment-of-momentum governing equation in the original model with a simpler minimization constraint, a solution technique has been developed that avoids the complexity of an iterative solution that characterized the original work. The revised model retains key elements of the original model, including: ricochet by way of plastic hinge formation; rod rebound from the target's ricochet surface; and target gouging as a means to redirect the target force's line of action. Finally, the ricochet equations are analytically rendered so as to give a keen sense of how the critical obliquity for ricochet varies as a function of the initial conditions of the ballistic engagement.