Depth of Penetration

The Depth of Penetration calculator estimates the depth of penetration of a projectile based on the projectile diameter and density and the density of the target rocks.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (d) Projectile Diameter
• (pp) Projectile Density
• (pt) Target Rock Density

Depth of Penetration (D): The estimated depth is returns in meters. However, these can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

The Math / Science

This Depth of Penetration calculates the depth made by a projectile.

The formula for the depth of penetration of a projectile used in this calculator is:

D = d*(pp/pt)^(1/2)

where:

• D = Depth of Penetration
• pp = Projectile Density
• pt = Target Rock Density

Resource:

• Melosh, H. J. "7.3.1." Impact Cratering: A Geologic Process. New York: Oxford UP, 1989. N. pag. Print.