Study of the influence of target material on impact damage

A limited data base relating to target material behaviour under controlled impact conditions has been established. The trends indicated by the use of simplified missiles have been confirmed by a series of 1/8 scale model flask tests. Reasonable correlation has been achieved between experimental results and theoretical predictions. However, none of the mathematical models utilized has been found to be suitable for application across the entire range of target materials tested. Of particular interest is the fact that, for the missile and model flask described here, the harder rocks exhibit no reduction in impacter damage when compared with the IAEA target. However, engineered targets (such as concrete and bricks) appear to exhibit significant reductions in impacter damage. It is hoped that this data, in conjunction with that already being obtained from further work, will allow better estimates of flask damage to be made in the future, using purely analytical methods. 6 references, 8 figures