Finite element analysis of the impact of liner thickness and hydrodynamic limit on the penetration depth of a shaped charge warhead

In this work, an identification method for the hydrodynamic limit of shaped charge jets (SCJs) is proposed using numerical analysis. To identify the hydrodynamic limit, we consider situations where two targets of the same density but different strengths are penetrated by the same SCJ. As a result, the SCJ corresponding with the hydrodynamic theory is a jet region with a velocity larger than 4 km/s. In addition, an investigation based on the hydrodynamic limit and liner thickness indicates that the penetration capability before and after the hydrodynamic limit improves as apex thickness decreases and base thickness increases, respectively. The simple and clear identification of the hydrodynamic limit is expected to be possible using the proposed method. Accordingly, a selective and organized liner thickness design can be developed.