Impact forces of projectiles with varied cone-angles into non-Newtonian fluids

Several researchers set out nearly 100 years ago to understand the impact of projectiles into water with varied cone angles and cusps. Recently researchers have found the cone angles that maximize and minimize impact forces and have even suggested several other methods of reducing impact forces. However, when the fluid is changed to non-Newtonian we find that the forces are different as expected. By methodically varying the cone angle of the projectile tip, imbedding accelerometers, and tracking high-speed camera images; we are able to study the various effects on the cavity formation, depth, and drag forces. Together, the data provides a clearer understanding of the underlying physics and changes that a non-Newtonian fluid causes.