Finite Element Model of Functionally-Graded Cementitious Panel under Small Projectile Impact

Abstract

This paper presents a three-dimensional finite element model for functionally-graded (FG) cementitious panel subjected to high-velocity small projectile impact using the commercial package, LS-DYNA. The FG-panel consists of PE-fibrous ferrocement as the top and bottom layers, sandwiching a thin layer of concrete with calcined bauxite aggregates and an infill of conventional mortar layer to form the remaining thickness. The impact responses of different panel configurations (by varying the thickness of individual layers) were simulated and the results compared well with experimental data for projectiles with striking velocities ranging from 300 m/s to 600 m/s. After model verification, an optimization study of the FG-panel configurations (thickness of composite layers) was performed with the aim of preventing perforation of the panel by a projectile with 600 m/s striking velocity. The impact response of a proposed FG-panel design was numerically simulated to evaluate its performance.