Analysis of component damage probability of a small engine based on penetration experiments and M & S

In ground combat systems, vulnerability assessment refers to the determination of the degree of loss in the combat system’s functions after an enemy attack, and under such scenarios, it is essential to improve the combat system and its operator’s survival rate. The vulnerability of a component can be expressed as the probability of losing its unique function when it is hit. However, numerous penetration experiments are required to calculate component damage probability due to which the process becomes costly, time consuming, and dangerous. To address these issues, a component damage probability analysis program (CODAP) based on modeling & simulation (M & S) has been developed. CODAP uses 3D models of target components as input and uses mathematical models, such as penetration and deflection equations to calculate component damage probability. In this study, the procedure for calculating component damage probability via CODAP and the validity of the included mathematical models are verified against actual penetration experiments. The target was a small single cylinder engine and it was hit using 7.62 mm AP bullets. Five high-velocity and low-velocity hit points were selected for a total of 10 penetration experiments. After completing the penetration experiments, the operability of the target component and shotline were evaluated by disassembling the component. Finally, the validity of CODAP was verified by comparing experimental penetration results and CODAP calculation results with a particular focus on the shotline and component damage probability.