Ballistic Impact Simulations using the new Unified Mechanics Theory

Abstract

Ballistic Impact is a high velocity impact on a target by a projectile having a small mass and size. The aim of this thesis is to study ballistic impact using the new Unified Mechanics Theory. Numerical simulation of ballistic impact is gaining momentum due to the complexities and large costs involved with experimental study of ballistic impact. But it is seen that most numerical simulations use empirical failure criterion which are based on the results of experiments. The Unified Mechanics Theory however is not based on experimental data and does not use any curve fitting techniques to calculate the damage evolution. Entropy production alone is used as a metric for damage evolution for elastic and inelastic deformations. This theory can be used for any type of material and for a wide range of damage problems. In this study, an A36 Steel plate has been impacted with a projectile based on a .357 magnum bullet. Finite Element software package ABAQUS/CAE Explicit has been used to numerically simulate the scenario. Analyses have been performed for four different plate temperatures and three different projectile velocities. Damage Evolution Parameter have been calculated using the Unified Mechanics Theory and the results are compared for the different cases to observe trends of variation of the damage initiation time with the temperature of the target and velocity of the projectile.