FE modeling method for the analysis of impact energy propagation in a beam-shell structure undergoing high velocity impact

Abstract

Recently, a new manufacturing technology is being employed to build a new type of armor vehicles. While thick panels are welded one another in the old manufacturing technology, relatively thin panels are welded to a frame structure in the new manufacturing technology. The structural integrity of the new type of armor vehicles can be maintained mainly by the frame structures while the panel thickness is reduced significantly to reduce the total vehicle weight. Since the dynamic characteristics of a frame-panel hybrid structure are different from those of the old type of structure which consists of thick panels, they should be identified to achieve a good vehicle performance. For the purpose, a proper FE model of the hybrid type of structure needs to be developed. In the present study, several FE models are proposed to represent the hybrid type structure efficiently. The impact energy propagation, the transient response and the modal characteristics are investigated with the FE models.