An engineering approach to shape optimization of impactors against fiber-reinforced plastic laminates

We investigate the problem of determining a shape of the impactor that provides the minimum ballistic limit velocity against fiber-reinforced plastic laminates, using a simplified model. The suggested approach accounts for the non-unique choice of the phenomenological parameter of the model and for the comparatively weak variation of the optimization criterion in the vicinity of the optimum. Using this approach we comprehensively studied an optimization problem for strikers having the nose in the form of a truncated cone. Results of the investigation are presented in the form of intervals of the radius of bluntness of the impactor’s nose whereby ballistic limit velocity is in the vicinity of the optimum value.