Computational Analysis of Thermal Hypervelocity Impact Experiments

Abstract Introduction Hypervelocity impacts of projectiles into objects continues to be extensively studied. In addition to experiments, computational modeling and simulation are often used to analyze those impacts. Specific types of material models are required to accurately capture the behavior of materials at higher speeds and higher strain rates. Many such models exist and there are community accepted practices for validating those models. Typically, hypervelocity experiments are conducted at ambient or room temperature. However, one can envision scenarios where the temperature of the projectile is elevated. In those scenarios, the material strength will be decreased. There are experiments that vary temperature which can be used to inform temperature dependent strength models. In contrast, there are fewer experiments which vary the temperature of hypervelocity impacts. Therefore, thermal impact experiments were conducted in order to provide validation data of temperature dependent material models for hypervelocity impacts. Data from the thermal impact experiments was used to determine specific parameters in the material strength model. The experiments and analysis are discussed below.