Three-Dimensional Simulations of Normal Impact of Projectiles on Moving Targets
Abstract
Three-dimensional simulations of normal impact of 38.16-mm-long steel cylinders of L/D=6 on thin (1.59 mm) aluminum plates, which are themselves in motion, have been conducted using the HULL code on Cray supercomputers. HULL is an Eulerian code that uses a finite difference scheme to solve partial differential equations of continuum mechanics. An elastic-perfectly plastic model was used to describe the strain response of the target and the projectile. Simulations for projectile velocities of 219 m/s and 876 m/s, with die plates moving laterally ('edge-on') at 40 m/s and 160 m/s, respectively, are compared with cases when the plates are stationary. The transverse plate motion perpendicular to the projectile results in a time-dependent alteration of projectile motion and produces a tearing of the plate, in addition to the plugging that would occur if the plate were stationary. The results of the simulations are presented as graphic time histories of the physical quantities, including sum waves, in rod-plate interaction. These results show that if an armor plate is set in relative transverse motion with respect to an incidental projectile, it acquires a greater protection capability than the corresponding stationary plate. This has implications for armor applications, for live-fire testing, and for vulnerability and lethality analyses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA275985
Entities
People
- Anand Prakash
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory