Numerical Simulation on the Oblique Penetration of Ceramic Particles Reinforced Metal Matrix Functional Gradient Armor

Abstract

Ceramic particles reinforced metal matrix functional gradient armor is a terrific protective material for helicopter gunship armor to gain light weight and improve anti-penetration performance. However, the anti-penetration mechanism is still not understood. In view of this fact, this paper aims to investigate the penetration mechanism of functional gradient armor. LS-DYNA software is used to simulate the processes of armor-piercing projectile oblique penetrating an optimal ceramic particles reinforced metal matrix functional gradient armor. The armor’s geometry of the calculation model considered is a four-sides-fixed supported round plate whose side length is far longer than its thickness. The penetrator considered is a long rod projectile. The results show that: when the oblique angle is relatively small, the projectile will turn to the vertical direction, that is to say, the oblique angle will diminish during the oblique penetration, and this phenomenon will do harm to the anti-penetration performance of the armor; when the oblique angle increases to a certain degree, the oblique angle will be enlarged during the oblique penetration, and this phenomenon will be beneficial to the anti-penetration performance of the armor. The bigger the oblique angle is, the easier the ricochet phenomenon will become. When design armors, the oblique angles of 0~15 degree should be avoided, and the oblique angles greater than 35 degree are preferred.