Theoretical study on the sabot separation process of a sub-caliber projectile fired from rifled guns

Abstract

Sub-caliber projectiles have been widely used in modern warfare due to their ability to enhance accuracy and ballistic performance. For such projectiles, however, an effective separation of the penetrator from the sabot upon exiting the barrel is extremely important for achieving the desired accuracy and terminal ballistics. In this paper, we present a theoretical model for studying the aspects of the penetrator-sabot separation process for a sub-caliber projectile fired from 7.62mm pistols.  The method used in this paper is a combination of analytical and numerical approaches. Firstly, an equation system was analytically established to describe the motion of the sabot and the penetrator in absolute coordinates. Then, the Computational fluid dynamics simulation approach was applied to determine the aerodynamic forces acting on the sabot and the penetrator. Finally, the equation system was solved using Newton’s method to calculate the position of the sabot and the penetrator during the separation process. Based on the proposed model, the effect of some parameters on the separation process was investigated. The investigation results have shown that the initial friction force between the sabot and the penetrator significantly influences the separation process. The findings in this study provide valuable contributions to the design and optimization of sub-caliber projectile-weapon systems.