Simulation of the Ballistic Perforation of Aluminum Plates with Abaqus/Explicit

Accurate numerical simulation of ballistic impact events can provide physical insights that cannot be captured by experiments. The high velocity perforation process is very complex and requires the use of reliable and robust constitutive models capable of simulating material response at high strain rates, high pressures, and with progressive damage.

In this Technology Brief, we describe Abaqus/Explicit modelling of the ballistic impact of metal projectiles on metal targets. An impact velocity range of ~0.4-0.9 km/s is considered and very good quantitative and qualitative agreement between the numerical results and experimental data is shown for both normal and oblique impacts. We will demonstrate the utility of Abaqus/Explicit as a tool for reducing the amount of experimental testing as well as assessing the projectile residual velocities and time-resolved kinematics.