Comparison of Numerical Simulation Techniques of Ballistic Ceramics under Projectile Impact Conditions

Pawel Zochowski,Wojciech Burian,Roman Grygoruk,Miroslaw Bocian,Krzysztof Jamroziak,Dariusz Pyka,Marcin Bajkowski,Mariusz Magier

doi:10.3390/ma15010018

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the effectiveness of available numerical techniques in mapping the characteristic behavior of ballistic ceramics under projectile impact conditions. As part of the work, the ballistic tests were performed on the layered ceramic/steel composite armor and tested with the 7.62 × 39 mm, armor-piercing incendiary (API) BZ projectile. The experimental tests were then mapped using computer simulations. In numerical analyses, four different techniques were used to describe cubic ceramic tiles Al2O3 placed on the ARMOX 500T steel backing plate, i.e.,: the Finite Element Method without Erosion (FEM), Finite Element with erosion (FEM + Erosion), Smoothed Particles Hydrodynamics (SPH) and a hybrid method that converts finite elements to SPH particles after exceeding the defined failure criteria (FEM to SPH conversion). The effectiveness of the individual methods was compared in terms of quality (mapping of characteristic phenomena occurring during the penetration process), quantity (bulge height of the backing plate) and time needed to complete the calculations. On the basis of the results of the experiments and numerical simulations, it was noticed that the most accurate reproduction of the phenomenon of ballistic impact of AP projectiles on ceramic/steel composite armor can be obtained by using a hybrid method, incorporating the conversion of finite elements into SPH particles. This method should be used in cases where accuracy of the results is more important than the time required to complete the calculations. In other situations where the purpose of the calculation is not to determine, for example, the exact value of penetration depth but only to observe a certain trend, the FEM method with defined erosion criteria (variant 2), which is more than 10 times faster, can be successfully used.

Highlights

Smoothed Particles Hydrodynamics (SPH) techniques particles into the modelthe significantly slows havior of ballistic ceramics under projectile impact conditions was analyzed andthe compared down the calculations
4 —conversion of tion propagation cracks ingives ceramics, which is crucial for definition of cases an accurate finiteand elements to SPHof particles) the best results and should be used in where numerical modelare of the ballistic phenomenon on ceramic layers
Particular attention was×paid to reproduction of and the phenomena of ceramic-metal armor under ballistic conditions; generation and propagation of cracks in impact ceramics, which is crucial for definition of an

Summary

Introduction

Continuous development of kinetic energy projectiles causes an increase in the demands on modern ballistic protection equipment. The effectiveness of armor is defined as the ability to absorb and dissipate the impact energy of a specific type of projectile [1]. Trends in the modern armament industry impose requirements that the increase in the protective effectiveness of the armor should not increase its mass. The search for optimal solutions is directed towards composite and multilayered structures. Layers in such constructions can be made of various materials [2,3,4] that are selected and arranged in a proper way to prevent perforation of the armor [5,6]

Methods

Results

Conclusion