The GeoPoncelet Model for Rapid Penetration in Soils

The GeoPoncelet model is a semi-analytical penetration model based on the Poncelet framework, developed to improve predictions of projectile behavior and depth of burial (DoB) in soils during high-velocity impacts. The model advances previous work by relating drag and bearing resistance to both penetration velocity and depth. At high velocities, particle crushing leads to a reduction in penetration efficiency, which is reflected by an increase in drag resistance. Furthermore, the depth-dependent increase in soil strength is incorporated using quasi-static resistance profiles derived from cone penetration tests (CPT). The model was calibrated using experimental data from lab-scale ballistic tests with conical and 1/10-scale M107 projectiles impacting loose to very dense dry sands at ~200 m/s. Results showed that DoB and peak deceleration were inversely related to soil density. The GeoPoncelet model captured the experimental data with significantly greater accuracy than the conventional Poncelet model. This has consequences for predicting DoB in real-world penetration scenarios, such as predicting the DoB of unexploded ordnance.