On perforation of ductile metallic plates by blunt rigid projectile

In order to enhance the theoretical modeling of Chen and Li [Chen X.W., Li QM., 2003a. Shear plugging and perforation of ductile circular plates struck by a blunt projectile. Int. J. Impact Engng. 28 (5). 513-536], an intensive numerical study was performed on the perforation of ductile metallic plates by blunt rigid projectiles. The results of this numerical study agree with the modeling by Chen and Li [Chen X.W., Li QM., 2003a. Shear plugging and perforation of ductile circular plates struck by a blunt projectile. Int. J. Impact Engng. 28 (5), 513-536] and with the experimental observations of Borvik et al. [Borvik T., Langseth M., Hopperstad O.S., Malo K.A., 1999. Ballistic penetration of steel plates. Int. J. Impact Engng. 22. 855-886; Borvik T., Leinum J.R., Solberg JX, Hopperstad O.S., Langseth M., 2001b. Observations on shear plug formation in Weldox 460E steel plates impacted by blunt-nosed projectiles. Int. J. Impact Engng. 25, 553-572; Borvik T., Hopperstad O.S., Langseth M., Malo K.A., 2003. Effect of target thickness in blunt projectile penetration of Weldox 460 E steel plates. Int. J. Impact Engng. 28 (4), 413-464]. The effect of target thickness on its ballistic performance is discussed by accounting for their structural response. Our study confirms the validity of the assumption of constant shear force during plugging perforation. In addition we show that the dynamic cavity expansion model is suitable for description of flat projectile impacting a thick plate, with lateral material flow. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.