documentationfortheanalyticalmodelofterminalballistics.docVIP

Calculations and Assumptions for Penetration Model Relatively simple one-dimensional expressions of hydrodynamics can be used to model the penetration and crater development (permanent cavity) of a deforming bullet in tissue. In the discussion that follows, certain assumptions are maintained: The projectile (bullet) deforms primarily by ductile erosion, rather than by fragmentation No significant yaw or pitch of the bullet is observed during penetration Energy not accounted for by the material failure criterion is adequately captured by the inertial and viscous drag losses (i.e., direct heating is insignificant and elastic responses are secondary, late time effects) There are two distinct phases of behavior for a deforming bullet during a penetration event. In the first, called the hydrodynamic penetration phase, the bullet is subject to plastic deformation under the pressure felt at its interface with the tissue in the target. In the latter phase, called the rigid-body penetration phase, the bullet has ceased to deform plastically and penetrates without further change in shape or loss of mass. Different mechanical expressions are used to describe these two phases. Integration is performed in both phases in terms of velocity, a convenient quantity. The method described does not explicitly account for the significant energy expended by bullet deformation and mass loss. However, the effect of these behaviors is otherwise described by adapting the Tate equations for a homogenous eroding rod in hydrodynamic penetration and by using a separate set of functions to calculate variables such as expanded diameter and retained mass as a function of the deformed length of the bullet. Since the Tate equations are well supported by analytical and empirical evidence, we may use them with confidence, and since the rigid body mechanics do depend explicitly on the kinetic energy (using retained mass and the known velocity), the results should be very good. The principal expressions