Abstract:
This study utilizes Finite Element Analysis to create a predictive model of a .38 caliber lead round nose bullet impacting a ballistic gelatin block, aiming to simulate and validate the complex phenomena of wound ballistics. The simulation was performed using the explicit dynamic Finite Element code LS-DYNA, where both the bullet and the gelatin block were modeled. The bullet was created as a Lagrangian mesh using solid elements with an elastic-plastic hydrodynamic material model (*MAT_ELASTIC_PLASTIC_HYDRODYNAMIC) to capture its deformation upon impact. The ballistic gelatin was modeled using an Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) multi-material formulation with a null material model (*MAT_NULL) and a Gruneisen equation of state to accurately represent its fluid-like behavior and the formation of the temporary and permanent cavities. The Finite Element simulation successfully replicated the key events observed in physical ballistic gelatin tests, including the bullet's penetration depth, its deformation and fragmentation, and the characteristic shape and size of the temporary and permanent wound cavities. The FEA results for penetration depth and cavity dimensions were found to be in good agreement with published experimental data for similar ballistics tests, validating the Finite Element model as a viable tool for studying and predicting the terminal effects of projectiles.
