On the contact behavior of aluminum plate targets subjected to ogive nosed projectile impact

Abstract

This study presents the effect of contact friction on the impact resistance of monolithic aluminum 1100-H12 plate targets against ogive nosed EN24 steel projectiles. The projectiles were propelled using a pneumatic air pressure gun against circumferentially clamped circular targets measuring 255 mm in diameter. The initial as well as residual velocities of the projectile were captured using a high-speed camera working at 10,000 fps. Finite element modelling of the ballistic impact was carried out using ABAQUS/Explicit module. Johnson-Cook strength and damage model was employed to model the flow and fracture characteristics of the target material, whereas, the projectile was modelled as a rigid body. The coefficient of tangential friction between the surfaces of projectile and target was varied and its influence on the deformation and the failure of the targets was investigated. The ballistic performance of the aluminum targets was compared in terms of velocity drop, ballistic limit, local as well as global target deformations and energy absorption in the target.