Deformation and fracture of a long-rod projectile induced by an oblique moving plate: Numerical simulations

Simulations have been performed to evaluate the possibility of reproducing the fragmentation of a long-rod projectile impacted by a moving oblique plate. When the moving plate slides along the projectile, fractures due to shear loading may occur in the projectile. Therefore, a fracture model suggested by Xue–Wierzbicki was used for the projectile together with the Johnson–Cook strength model. This fracture model is based on an equivalent plastic strain of fracture which depends on a stress triaxiality and a deviatoric stress parameter. The results of the simulations were compared with experimental results of a preceding study in which the impact conditions were varied in such a way that the projectile fractured in some but not all tests. The comparisons show that the simulations reproduced the fractures in the projectile well. Also, the transition from a deformed non-fractured to a severely fractured projectile was captured. The benefit of including the deviatoric stress parameter and the mechanisms leading to fragmentation of the projectile are discussed.

► Simulation of fragmentation of a LRP impacted by a moving oblique plate was studied.
► The Xue–Wierzbicki fracture model was evaluated.
► It was found that it is possible to reproduce the fractures in the projectile.
► The transition from deformed non-fractured to fractured projectile was captured.
► The deviatoric stress parameter used in the XW model has significant influence.