Effective Thickness Formula:
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Definition: This calculator determines the effective armor thickness based on the angle of impact, which is crucial for tank combat mechanics.
Purpose: It helps players understand how angled armor provides better protection than flat armor of the same thickness.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The actual armor thickness is divided by the cosine of the impact angle to calculate the effective thickness that a projectile must penetrate.
Details: Angling your armor increases its effective thickness, making it harder for enemy shells to penetrate. This is a fundamental tank combat tactic.
Tips: Enter the actual armor thickness in mm and the angle of impact (0-90 degrees). The angle is measured from the perpendicular (90° being parallel to armor).
Q1: Why does angle increase effective thickness?
A: When armor is angled, the projectile must travel through more material to penetrate, effectively increasing the armor's thickness relative to the projectile's path.
Q2: What's the best angle to use in combat?
A: Typically between 20-45 degrees, but this depends on the tank's armor profile. Too steep an angle may lead to ricochets.
Q3: Does this account for shell normalization?
A: No, this is the basic calculation. In-game mechanics include shell normalization which slightly reduces effective angles.
Q4: What happens at exactly 90 degrees?
A: The effective thickness becomes infinite (division by zero) as the shell would be traveling parallel to the armor surface.
Q5: How does this relate to ricochet angles?
A: While related, ricochet mechanics are separate. Most shells will ricochet at angles greater than 70-80 degrees regardless of effective thickness.