Abstract:
This paper addresses the limitations of Lagrangian finite element methods when used to study the non-linear transient behavior of materials undergoing extremely large deformations, such as those that occur during high-velocity impacts or crash tests. The main challenge arises because this type of space discretization does not allow for material motion through the mesh, leading to significant mesh distortion. The paper describes a method for overcoming this problem through the erosion of elements. The main issue with this approach is the deformation of element failure strains. The proposed method was used to simulate high-velocity impacts on a multi-layered aluminum target, and the results were compared to empirical perforation data. The authors found that the results were in close agreement with experimental data, whether from cratering experiments or actual impacts on targets. The study concludes that this method appears to be a valid approach for overcoming the limitations of Lagrangian finite element codes.
