Systematic variation of curvature for strengthening of targets against high velocity impact

Curved structures exhibit better energy absorption properties than flat ones against high-velocity impacts. The primary objective of the study is to assess the impact of varying degrees of bi-directional curvature and thickness on the energy absorption properties of metallic targets, against normal impact by an ogive-nosed projectile. The target curvature was varied systematically from flat plate-like targets to hemispherical targets. Convexity and concavity of target structures have been considered during study. Numerical simulations were conducted utilizing the ABAQUS Explicit/Dynamics finite element package. The impact response of targets was analyzed based on fracture mechanics, energy absorption, specific energy absorption, and residual velocity. Energy absorption characteristics followed a parabolic relationship with curvature, thereby suggesting an upper limit on curvature. The change in fracture mechanics from ductile hole formation with petal formation to adiabatic shear plugging was identified as a significant factor in enhancing the energy absorption characteristics of curved targets.