Abstract: To obtain the supercavitation models penetrating into solid medium and the influence factors of mechanical properties, including the penetration velocity, penerator shape and ventilation, a series of experiments are carried out using a transparent silicone box. The penetrators are launched by air cannon, and the penetration processes are recorded by a high speed camera. The penetration velocity is obtained through image processing and analysis. In the first experiment, the penetration phenomenon of supercavitation models was successfully obtained. And then a series of experiments for different head-shapes of penetrators were carried out at different penetration speed. The effects of the influence factors on the supercavity profiles and the deceleration characteristics are analyzed. Referring to underwater ventilation supercavitation concept, a new penetrator whith ventilation is designed to test the supercavitating penetration under ventilation , which finally confirms that ventilation is benefit for the generation of supercavity and helps to prolong the penetration depth.

Key words: ordnance science and technology, supercavitation, earth penetrator, penetration