Modified Charters Model for Single Wall Perforation

A simple perforation prediction model which describes the size of the hole created in a thin metallic plate is presented and compared to hypervelocity impact experiments. The new mechanics model is based on the 1959 Charters model, but takes into account the initial compressive wave on impact by replacing the characteristic deformation stress with the Hugoniot elastic limit. The model predictions are compared to experiments performed with tantalum and steel spherical projectiles impacting steel targets at 1 to 3 km/s using a unique two-stage light-gas gun facility. A statistically significant improvement in the energy-based modified Charters model is shown over the original, with particular improvement when target and projectile are of different materials.