Analyzing Safety Measures for Munitions under Different Logistic Configurations Incorporating Large Standard Shaped Charges

In modern warfare, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) pose significant threats due to their widespread availability and effectiveness. However, research on safeguarding munitions transported in containers using palletized load systems against RPG attacks is limited. This study assesses the safety of munitions in both unprotected and protected container configurations using steel and ceramic addon protections, with 56mm shaped charge munitions as the target. Experimental setups with 89 mm shaped charges comprised of COMPB explosive and copper liner were developed as RPG surrogates, alongside corresponding simulations using ANSYS AUTODYN. Aluminum buffer plates (75 mm thick) were added to meet RPG7 requirements. Safety evaluations for 56 mm JH-2 shaped charge munitions were conducted with standard and improved armor thicknesses. Results show significant damage from detonation when armor thickness was below 50 mm, but no detonation in one configuration with 50 mm steel armor, confirmed by simulations. This research highlights vulnerabilities and potential mitigations for munitions transported via palletized load systems facing RPG threats.