Numerical and empirical approach in predicting the penetration of a concrete target by an ogive-nosed projectile

This paper demonstrates the application of both numerical simulation and empirical equation in predicting the penetration of a concrete target by an ogive-nosed projectile. The results from the experiment performed by Gran and Frew [In-target radial stress measurements from penetration experiments into concrete by ogive-nose steel projectiles, Int. J. Impact Eng. 19 (8) (1997) 715–726] are used as a benchmark for comparison. In the numerical simulations a 3.0-caliber radius-head steel ogival-nose projectile with a mass of 2.3 kg is fired against cylindrical concrete target with a striking velocity of 315 m/s. The simulation, performed using AUTODYN 2-D, assesses three numerical schemes, namely Langrange, Euler–Lagrange coupling and smooth particles hydrodynamics SPH–Lagrange coupling, in predicting the maximum depth of penetration and the radial stress–time response of the concrete target. When assessing the three solution techniques we hypothesize that the effect of strain rate on strength for the concrete target does not adversely affect the prediction on the maximum depth of penetration and the radial stress–time response of the concrete target. In the empirical approach the penetration equation developed by Forrestal et al. [An empirical equation for penetration depth of ogive-nose projectiles into concrete targets, Int. J. Impact Eng. 15 (4) (1994) 395–405] is used to determine the maximum depth of penetration and the deceleration–time response. The deceleration–time response for the projectile using the empirical approach is compared with those obtained from the numerical simulations. Results from both the numerical and empirical approaches are consistent. The calculated depth of penetration from both approaches yield relatively good agreement with that obtained from the experiment. The numerical simulations using each of the three numerical schemes are also able to reproduce the profiles from the radial stress measurements. Simulations using the SPH numerical scheme give the best overall agreement. The good overall agreement with the experimental radial stress measurements and consistent results between both empirical and numerical approach, enhanced the confidence in engineers and ballisticians when using these two approaches in complementing full-scale testing.