Overpenetrate

Overpenetrate is a term used to describe a projectile that passes completely through a target. This can occur when the projectile has sufficient velocity and energy to overcome the resistance of the target material. The degree of overpenetration depends on several factors, including the projectile's caliber, construction, velocity, and the material and thickness of the target.

In firearms, overpenetration is a concern in self-defense and law enforcement situations. If a bullet overpenetrates its intended target, it can continue on its path and strike an unintended person or object, potentially causing collateral damage. Ammunition designed for self-defense often prioritizes controlled expansion upon impact to minimize the risk of overpenetration, while also ensuring sufficient penetration to incapacitate a threat. This is achieved through various bullet designs, such as hollow-point projectiles.

The concept of overpenetration is also relevant in other fields, such as ballistics testing and engineering. Understanding how projectiles interact with different materials is crucial for designing effective armor, protective gear, and safety systems. For instance, in the context of armor, a material is designed to resist or absorb the energy of a projectile to prevent overpenetration. Conversely, in applications like demolition or certain types of industrial cutting, overpenetration might be a desired characteristic.