Experimental tests and numerical analysis of the dynamic behavior of thin single and segmented nano-alumina-reinforced cementitious targets

Abstract This study investigates the mechanical performance of cementitious composite targets through nanoparticle addition and target configuration optimization under quasi-static and dynamic loading. This dual approach addresses both material-level and structural-level improvements for impact resistance. Experiments were manufactured by adding three replacement ratios of nano-Al 2 O 3 particles, specifically 1%, 2%, and 4% by weight of cement, to the cementitious composite and tested under quasi-static compressive, split tensile, and high-velocity impact (HVI) loading. The finite element model (FEM) was developed using the Abaqus software package, incorporating the JH-2 material constitutive model calibrated with data from experimental material tests. Furthermore, simulations were conducted to investigate the effects of target thickness and segmentation strategy on the ballistic response of specimens. The experimental results revealed that the total incorporation of nano-alumina particles promotes the specimen’s quasi-static mechanical properties and impact resistance, resulting in substantial mitigation of phenomena, including radial cracking, spalling, scabbing, cone cracking, and shear plugging. The addition of 1 wt%. nano-Al 2 O 3 caused the maximum compressive and tensile strength values, showing an uptrend of 26% and 110%, respectively. Furthermore, including 1.0% nano-Al 2 O 3 particles improved specimens’ ballistic limit velocity (BLV) and energy absorption, showing enhancements of up to 12.7% and 27.2%, respectively. Numerical simulations revealed that increasing the target thickness or subjoining the extra parts improves the BLV, while the damage mechanisms and in situ construction of considered strategies are different. The findings from this study provide valuable insights for enhancing the impact load-bearing capacity of existing and future structures exposed to high-velocity collisions.