Complex events such as a ballistic impact are influenced by number of parameters. Simulation of such events need a number of material parameters to be defined. These parameters are difficult to be quantified and considered in finite element analysis. Due to this, the physics of the event is not accurately captured in numerical simulation. Considering these parameters require extensive experimentation which incurs huge costs. Due to advances in the explicit finite element codes and material models, it is possible to determine these parameters by reducing the dependence on experiments.
In this study, a method is depicted to determine Johnson-Cook material and failure model parameters. An example of a projectile hitting the armor plate is used to depict this method and to determine these material parameters for the target armor plate by performing a DOE study with minimal experimental test data. Additionally, the effect of each of these material and failure model parameters on depth of penetration, and width of penetration has also been studied. These determined parameters have also been validated with the test results.
This study can be used to determine Johnson-Cook material and failure model parameters of a material with the need of only: (1) stress-strain curve data available at nominal strain rate and room temperature and (2) test results. It thus reduces the need of experimental stress-strain data at different strain rates and different temperatures. These parameters can then be used for further analyses and design studies.