Low velocity penetrators (LVP) driven by hammering action - definition of the principle of operation based on numerical models and experimental tests

Two major results were achieved: (i) LVP stability map as a function of the LVP parameters responsible for energy distribution in the system and (ii) duration of the particular phases of the LVP movement. The stability of the LVP forward motion was analyzed with respect to mass parameters p1 and p2 and stiffness of the springs kd and kr, and let to define the region where LVP is able to move forward in both Earth gravity and near zero gravity environment. The duration of particular phases of the LVP motion allows better understanding of cross dependencies between LVP subsystems and future ways to improve the design.