Optimal shapes of axisymmetric bodies penetrating into soil

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study of the shapes of axisymmetric bodies with minimum drag and maximum depth of penetration into the plastic soils. Optimal shapes of bodies of revolution of given length and cross-sectional radius with generatrices represented by line segments are obtained by a modified method of local variations. The problem is solved using a binomial quadratic model of local interaction, including inertial and strength terms containing constant and Coulomb frictions. The drag forces and the penetration depth of cones and the obtained bodies of optimal shape are determined at different penetration velocities.