Influence of obstacle stiffness on the impact dynamics of a partially fluid-filled spherical shell

In the present work, a numerical study of the high-speed (100 m/s) normal impact of a thin-walled aluminum spherical shell partially filled with water (≈ 71 %) against flat obstacles is carried out using the finite element method in the conjugate Euler-Lagrangian (CEL) formulation. Two cases differing in mechanical properties of barriers are considered: 1) elastic steel plates and 2) absolutely rigid plates. A comparative analysis of the stress-strain state of the shell, the dynamics of its geometric dimensions, the nature of the response of the barriers and the hydrodynamic behavior of the internal fluid is carried out. It was found that the stiffness of the barrier is a determining factor that qualitatively and quantitatively changes the whole picture of interaction.