Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Simulation of depth of penetration during ballistic impact on thick targets using a one-dimensional discrete element model

  • Published:
Sadhana Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

One-dimensional discrete element model for the ballistic impact is used to determine the depth of penetration of a bullet on a thick target. Discrete Element Method (DEM) is a numerical tool where a continuum is modelled as a network of masses connected by normal springs. A one-dimensional discrete element model is developed to obtain the displacements and forces associated with the ballistic impact on a thick target. The depth of penetration of the penetrator into the target is calculated from these DEM results. The simulated results of depth of penetration are found to be in reasonable agreement with the simulation results of other numerical approaches that are available in the literature.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • An B, Tannant D D 2007 Discrete Element Method contact model for dynamic simulation of inelastic rock impact. Computers and Geosciences 33: 513–521

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson C E Jr, Littlefield D, Walker J D 1993 Long-rod penetration, Target resistance and Hypervelocity impact. Int. J. Impact Eng. 14: 1–12

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Awerbuch J, Bodner S R 1974 Analysis of the mechanics of perforation of projectiles in metallic plates. Int. J. Solids Struct. 10: 671–684

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bathe K J 1996 Finite element procedures (India: Prentice Hall) 2nd Edition: 770–773

    Google Scholar 

  • Ben-Dor G, Dubinsky A, Elperin T 2005 Ballistic impact: Recent advances in analytical modelling of plate penetration dynamics–A review. ASME. 58: 355–371

    Google Scholar 

  • Cundall P A, Strack O D L 1979 A discrete numerical model for granular assemblies. Geotechnique. 29: 47–65

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Forrestal M J, Tzou D Y, Askari E, Longcope D B 1995 Penetration into Ductile Metal Targets with Rigid Spherical-Nose Rods. Int. J. Impact. Eng. 16: 699–710

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gailly B A, Espinosa H D 2002 Modelling of failure mode transition in ballistic penetration with a continuum model describing micro cracking and flow of pulverized media. Int. J. Numer. Meth. Eng. 54: 365–398

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Hart R, Cundall P A, Lemos J 1988 Formulation of a three-dimensional distinct element model -part 2. mechanical calculations for motion and interaction of a system composed of many polyhedral block. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. and Geomech. 25: 117–125

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hu B, Eberhard P 2004 Simulation of longitudinal impact waves using time delayed systems. Trans. ASME. 126: 644–649

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kurtaran H, Buyuk M, Eskandarian A 2003 Ballistic impact simulation of GT model vehicle door using FEM. Theoret. Appl. Fracture Mech. 40: 113–121

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Magnier S A, Donze F V 1998 Numerical simulation of impact using a Discrete Element Method. Mech. Cohes-Frict. Mater. 3: 257–276

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prochazka P P 2004 Application of Discrete Element Methods to Fracture Mechanics of Rock Bursts. Eng. Fract. Mech. 71: 601–618

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Raje N, Sadeghi F, Rateick R G Jr., Hoeprich M R 2007 Evaluation of Stresses around Inclusions of Hertzian Contacts using the Discrete Element Method. J. Tribol. Trans. ASME. 129: 283–291

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ravid M, Bodner S R, Holcman I 1987 Analysis of very high speed impact. Int. J. Eng. Sci. 25: 473–482

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sitharam T G 2000 Numerical simulation of particulate material using discrete element modelling. Curr. Sci. 78: 7–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Stronge W J 2004 Impact mechanics (UK: Cambridge University Press) 1st ed: 146–162

    Google Scholar 

  • Tavarez F A 2005 Discrete element method for modelling solid and particulate materials, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Wisconsin-Madison, U.S.A.

  • Tavarez F A, Plesha M E 2007 Discrete element method for modelling solid and particulate materials. Int. J. Numer. Meth. Eng. 70: 379–404

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Timoshenko S P and Goodier J N 1970 Theory of elasticity (Singapore: Mc Graw-Hill International Editions) 3rd ed: 485–487

    MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Woodward R L 1982 Penetration of semi infinite metal targets by deforming projectiles. Int. J. Mech. Sci. 24: 73–87

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Woodward R L 1996 Modelling geometrical and dimensional aspects of ballistic penetration of thick metal targets. Int. J. Impact Eng. 18: 369–381

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Applied Mechanics Department, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600 036, India

    RAJESH P NAIR & C LAKSHMANA RAO

Authors
  1. RAJESH P NAIR
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. C LAKSHMANA RAO
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to RAJESH P NAIR.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

NAIR, R.P., RAO, C.L. Simulation of depth of penetration during ballistic impact on thick targets using a one-dimensional discrete element model. Sadhana 37, 261–279 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12046-012-0079-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12046-012-0079-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation