Author(s)

H G Hildrum, K A Malo, M Langseth & O-G Lademo

Abstract

A continuum damage mechanics model coupled with an element erosion algorithm was adopted to simulate large mass, low velocity impact on 5 mm thin aluminium alloy plates. A hemispherical ended projectile with a mass of 55 kg impacted the target in the span between the stiffeners, i.e. at the location of the weld. The material model used is available in the explicit FEM code LS-DYNA. In the present study the weld and heat affected zone were modelled with a reduced strength compared to the parent material. The numerical simulations described the maximum force as well as the fracture phenomenon quite well.

Keywords