Simulation of High-velocity Penetration for Rigid Projectile into Plain Concrete Target using Discrete Element Method

Penetration of high velocity is of concern for both civilian and military research for decades, and computerized simulation is the scholar's focus in recent years. This study presents a study on the Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulation of plain concrete target's behavior under high-velocity penetration of rigid projectile.

In this thesis, different types of research works including empirical, analytical and numerical methods in penetration by the previous scholars were carefully reviewed. A DEM-based concrete model was established by using software PFC3D. The major micro-variables of the simulation program were calibrated according to the required macro-mechanical parameters. Meanwhile, their correlations within the concrete range were studied, with the sensitivity analysis and the corresponding regression equations.

With the established digital concrete model, penetration simulation tests were carried out. The results of penetration depth versus impact velocity were compared with the experimental and empirical calculated results from Forrestal's work in 1994. A good agreement was obtained. Some other simulation studies, like projectile mass, geometry, penetrating acceleration, concrete response stress, strain, and strain-rate were also conducted to study the constitutive properties in this thesis.