CLOSE-RANGE POST-RICOCHET BEHAVIOUR AND GYROSCOPIC STABILITY OF SMALL-CALIBRE PROJECTILES

Abstract

In this work, post-ricochet behaviour of small-calibre projectiles is studied. It builds upon recent work in which remarkable post-ricochet yaw behaviour was observed on witness screens. We think this behaviour is influenced by the gyroscopic stability of the projectile. Here both witness screens and 3D high-speed camera videos were used to study the closerange post-ricochet behaviour of projectiles having different gyroscopic stabilities. Trespa® Meteon® and XAR500 steel are used as target materials. The hardnesses of the Trespa® Meteon® and steel plates were measured. Results are compared with earlier findings on ricochet behaviour. The shape of the post-ricochet marks observed is dependent on the postricochet flight of the projectile, i.e. whether the projectile tumbles or not. Finally, possible future ricochet research will be discussed.