Ballistic impact analysis of double-layered metal plates

Abstract

In the present study, ballistic impact analysis of double layered circular metal plates with different arrangements were investigated numerically using the finite element method. Nine different double layered plates configuration consist of steel 4340 (st), Aluminium 2014-T3 (Al), or titanium Ti-6A1-4V (Ti) having the same thickness were considered in this study and the energy absorption capability of each configuration were determined and compared. In order to validate the results obtained via the numerical method, an experimental ballistic test utilising a single stage gas gun was performed on single layer Al plates using a blunt projectile. It was found that the results obtained from numerical analysis agree well with the experimental results, which confirmed the accuracy of the numerical analysis procedure. The non-linear explicit finite element analysis employing Johnson-Cook plasticity material model coupled with was carried out using ABAQUS commercial package. A parametric study was conducted to determine the best configuration in terms of the energy absorption capability under ballistic impact. It was observed from the analysis that the double layered plate with titanium (front plate facing the projectile) and steel 4340 (back plate) produced the highest energy absorption with 279.72 J. However, the highest specific energy absorption (SEA) was given by titanium (front) and Aluminium (back) plate with 2830.45 J/kg.