http://www.army-technology.com/contr...ion/apfsds.htm
"The terminal effect of the sub-projectile striking the target sees huge kinetic energy release. In miliseconds the sub-projectile punches through the target armour, instantaneously generating massive heat and pressure. As the long rod penetrator enters the vehicle friction with the armour plate creates burning incandescent spall which sprays the interior. The burning spall has an explosive effect"
That is a pretty good description of the Sabot damage mechanism.You can find more in others sources.
The M113 may have had its hatches open.That would lessen the effects considerably, giving pressure a way to vent out (very thin armor should mean less splinters as well).If not it might have still have survived maybe but I would have not wanted to be inside.RPG-7 vs Abrams is not an overpenetration, the mass of what got inside was probably very small.Try TOW-2 vs T-55 and tell me what happens to the crew inside.
By the way, I am still waiting for a source on
"99 percent of killed Iraqi tankers were those who served in T-72"