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Hybrid particle-element simulation of structures under impact loading

Advances in high-velocity impact simulation techniques have significantly improved the design and performance of impact protection systems constructed with advanced protective materials such as ballistic metals, high-strength synthetic polymers, ballistic ceramics, and their composite structures. A numerical model for high-velocity impact simulation has to account for complex thermo-mechanical coupling effects such as contact-impact effects, large elastic-plastic deformations, material damage evolution under dilatational and deviatoric deformations, material fracture and fragmentation, and transport of fractured debris. Among the numerical methods developed for this purpose, a hybrid particle-element method (HPEM) is an energy-based Lagrangian method which models solid structures with particles and elements simultaneously, but not redundantly. The particles describe thermodynamics states as well as all inertia and contact-impact effects. On the other hand, elements describe strength effects, shear and normal damages, and the structural connectivity between modelled particles. The advantages of HPEM are that it is free from tensile instability issues and that it allows a seamless transition from intact to fractured states of particles without discarding any mass or energy. This work presents the formulation of HPEM for the impact simulation of structures under impact loading and example simulations of various impact protections systems such as soft body armor constructed with multi-layered woven bullet-proof fabrics, the space shuttle thermal protection system, and the orbital debris protection system.

Author(s):

Kwon Joong Son    
American University in Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Jong Kyoo Park    
Agency for Defense Development
Korea, Republic Of

Euigyung Jeong    
Agency for Defense Development
Korea, Republic Of

Man Young Lee    
Agency for Defense Development
Korea, Republic Of

Hee Keun Cho    
Andong National University
Korea, Republic Of

See Jo Kim    
Andong National University
Korea, Republic Of