Experiments and simulations of empty and sand-filled aluminum alloy panels subjected to ballistic impact

Abstract

In this study, we use a discrete particle method in combination with finite element analysis to describe the interaction between structures and granular media during ballistic impact. By applying a discrete particle method to model granular materials, issues like mesh distortion and element deletion can be avoided. This paper presents experiments and numerical simulations on the perforation of empty and sand-filled aluminum alloy panels subjected to impacts by small-arms bullets. The simulations of the sand-filled panels were conducted using a combined discrete particle-finite element approach that accounts for the coupling between structure and sand. The ballistic capacity of the sand-filled aluminum panels was more than 40 % higher than that of the empty aluminum panels. Overall, the results from the numerical simulations describe the trends from the experiments. The predicted ballistic capacity of the empty panels was within 5 % of the experimentally determined value and the critical velocity of the sand-filled panels was predicted within 11 % of the experimentally determined critical velocity. The scatter in residual velocity was similar in simulations and experiments. However, in its current form the discrete particle method needs different calibrations for different velocity regimes to obtain accurate description of the sand behavior.

Experimental and numerical assessment of impact resistance of FMLs including one rubber layer

“…As one of the most complicated struggles in solid mechanics, high-velocity impact has been-and will remain-a major topic of interest among many researchers specially in aerospace field [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. In this respect, researchers have to fully comprehend and aptly analyze the process of projectile penetration in designing structures.…”

Incorporation of Corrosion Effects into the Life-Cycle Analysis of AW-2017A-T4 Aluminium Alloy under Bending Moment

“…Structures made of aluminium alloys are widely applied in the construction industry [ 1 , 2 , 3 ], the aerospace and aviation industry [ 4 , 5 ], the automotive industry [ 6 , 7 ] and military applications [ 8 ]. The popularity of this material is mainly due to its relatively low density, good strength-to-mass ratio, high corrosion resistance, and good ability to be welded, including with other materials [ 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

Numerical investigation on ballistic resistance of aluminium multi-layered panels impacted by improvised projectiles

“…In the corresponding study by Holmen et al [27] perforation of empty and sand-filled aluminium panels was investigated. It was shown that though the combination of the finite element analysis (Johnson-Cook plasticity and failure models) and the discrete particle method can be used to describe interaction between solid and granular media, still some challenges remain.…”