Body-on-Body Impact Analysis

BODY-ON-BODY IMPACT ANALYSIS

Ronald L. Hinrichsen, NCSA/UIUC
Alex Kurtz, USAF 46th Test Wing

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Research Objectives:

To use state of the art nonlinear dynamic explicit time integration finite element code (LSDYNA3D) to predict the damage resulting from a missile impacting various flat plate configurations.
To evaluate the predictions made by the code and make recommendations for its improvement.
To evaluate methodologies for effectively handling the failure initiation and progression within the domain of the structures.

Methodology:
The methodology of this research was to model the missile and plates using the Lagrangian perspective, impose an initial velocity on the missile, and capture the contact, failure, and break-up of the missile as it impacts the plate configurations.

Figure 1. Exploded view of Missile Body

Results:

The LSDYNA3D code was found to be effective in predicting the stresses, strains, velocities and accelerations within both bodies.

The code was also robust enough to predict the successful operation of a target detection device by correctly capturing the acceleration of a steel mechanism under the influence of a magnetic field.

Figure 2. Snapshot of Missile Break-up After Impacting Plate at 13 Deg. Angle

Significance:

This research is significant as it points the way to an effective and efficient method for predicting the penetration and damage resulting from the impact of a missile on various plate configurations. This model, in conjunction with a limited number of experimental tests, can be effectively used to predict velocity reductions of the missile as it impacts on plates of other materials and thicknesses, thus saving time and funds.

Figure 3. Accelarations (in/sec²) at Two Locations of Interest in Missile

Figure 4. Velocities (in/sec) at Two Locations of Interest in Missile