Calculating fragment impact velocity from penetration data

Depth of penetration experiments were conducted with fragment simulating projectiles launched into Celotex^® in order to develop an equation for the strike velocity as a function of the FSP mass and the depth of penetration into Celotex^® recovery media. A powder gun launched FSPs, designed in accordance with STANAG-2920 [NATO STANAG-2920 Ballistic Test Method for Personal Armour Materials and Combat Clothing, 2nd ed., 1999.] weighing between 0.13 g and 53.78 g at striking velocities between 198 m/s and 1524 m/s. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine an empirical relationship for the strike velocity to the impact parameters of depth of penetration, fragment mass, and mean presented area. Sabot launched natural fragments weighing between 2.8 g and 15.8 g at striking velocities between 532 m/s and 1084 m/s were used to validate the equation.