Numerical analysis on impact response of ultra-high strength concrete protected with composite materials against steel ogive-nosed projectile penetration

In order to investigate the impact behaviours of ultra-high strength concrete (UHSC) target protected with high-toughness lightweight energy absorption composite materials against the projectile penetration thoroughly, a numerical study using LS-DYNA is conducted at impact velocities between 540 m/s and 810 m/s. The major compositions of FE models are the same as those of experimental specimens which include steel wire mesh reinforced concrete (SWMRC) plates, UHMWPE fibre laminates, aluminium foam sheets and the protected UHSC. Numerical results involving depth of penetration (DOP), impact crater (exfoliated) diameter of SWMRC plates, localized damage and ballistic deviation of the projectiles are obtained and then compared with experimental data, where the numerical results show reasonable agreement with the test results. Based on the validated FE models, the projectile penetration process and the energy evolution between the target and the projectile are studied. In addition, a parametric analysis is conducted to investigate the influence of the arrangement order for present composite materials on DOP and impact resistance of reinforced UHSC target, as well as the ballistic deviation and deformation of the projectile. Results of this study indicate that for the current UHSC target, firstly, the ballistic deviation and projectile deformation are two important factors affecting the impact resistance of the target; secondly, the fibre laminates play a major role in the projectile ballistic deviation and the impact kinetic energy of the projectile is mainly absorbed by the concrete matrix, multilayer steel wire meshes and different densities of foam sheets.