Finite elements simulation of improvised explosively formed projectiles
ISSN: 0264-4401
Article publication date: 30 October 2018
Issue publication date: 27 November 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the applicability of the LS-DYNA software using a Lagrangian formulation in the jet formation, flight and penetration of improvised explosively formed projectiles (EFPs). Numerical results dealing with different properties of the EFPs have been validated with a significant number of field tests.
Design/methodology/approach
2D and 3D Lagrangian models, using different material definition, are developed to reproduce the field-measured characteristics of copper- and steel-made EFPs: projectile size and velocity. After validation, the model has been extended to analyse the penetration features. Two different plasticity models have been used to describe the steel target, Plastic-Kinematic and Johnson–Cook.
Findings
Despite the difficulty in characterizing a non-industrial artefact, the results show that both Lagrangian models (2D and 3D) are able to simulate the projectile size, velocity and penetration capability with errors less than 10 per cent when using the Johnson–Cook material model for both liner and target.
Practical implications
These data can be used to test the penetration ability of improvised EFP’s against different targets, i.e. light armoured vehicles.
Originality/value
There are no references that address the application of the Lagrangian simulation of non-industrial EFPs and its validation with field tests, including penetration assessment.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The work presented in this paper has been partially funded by the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED COE), a NATO Centre of Excellence in Spain. The authors would also like to thank Instituto Tecnológico La Marañosa (ITM-INTA), which support is gratefully acknowledged. The ideas expressed by the authors do not necessarily represent the official views of the institutions involved.
Citation
Castedo, R., Santos, A.P., Yenes, J.I., Sanchidrián, J.Á., López, L.M. and Segarra, P. (2018), "Finite elements simulation of improvised explosively formed projectiles", Engineering Computations, Vol. 35 No. 8, pp. 2844-2859. https://doi.org/10.1108/EC-04-2017-0130
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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