On the optimal nose geometry for a rigid penetrator

Abstract

A variational formulation for the net force on the nose of a rigid projectile normally penetrating a compliant target is given. Frictional effects are negligible in this formulation. The variational problem is solved and the result compared to several popular nose geometries. For blunt tipped projectiles, the optimal geometry can significantly enhance penetration by reducing the net force of resistance. For long penetrator noses, the effect has much less value. The most interesting conclusion is that all the optimal geometries have blunt tips.