Abstract: Ballistic impact experiments based on 3D-DIC technology and finite element numerical simulations based on LS-DYNA were conducted on riveted tanks filled with different liquid media in this study. The significant effect of liquid media type on the loading characteristics of hydrodynamic ram and the deformation characteristics of the structure was investigated and the relevant quantitative analyses were carried out. The results show that: the kinetic energy loss of the projectile is positively correlated with the impact velocity (v₀) of the projectile and the density of the liquid. When v₀≈1600 m/s, the amount of kinetic energy loss by the projectile is 1224 J greater in water than in kerosene; As the kinetic energy loss of the projectile increases, the energy transferred to the rear plate and rivets also increases. The amplitude of the shock wave with bimodal characteristics is significantly affected by the liquid density. When v₀≈1450 m/s, the amplitude of the precursor wave in water is 1.68 times that of kerosene, and the amplitude of the drag wave is 1.72 times that of kerosene; The liquid density has no significant effect on the failure mode of the front plate of the tank, but has a greater effect on the rear plate. The average petal hole size of the rear plate of the water-filled tank at v₀≈1450 m/s is 17.24 cm larger than that of kerosene. The deformation process of the rear plate will also cause the rivets to deform or even break. The results of the study are informative for the design of hydrodynamic ram equivalent experiments for water replacement of kerosene.