Computational Modeling of Failure for Hypervelocity Impacts into Glass Targets

Parametric studies were conducted using a recent computational glass model to assess its ability to replicate the rate and extent of damage resulting from ballistic impact of borosilicate glass. Penetration and the position of the failure front were determined as a function of time in experiments using long and short rods at approximately 2100 m/s. Simulations were conducted of the experiments and the results compared to the experiments. Parametric studies examined the effects of very slight changes in the initial impact velocity, time- dependent failure, the inclusion of the third deviatoric stress invariant (J3), mesh resolution, and changes in the strength of intact glass. Results are compared and contrasted, and conclusions drawn on the effect of model parameters in simulating results of the impact experiments.