Dynamic Resistance of Heterogeneous Metal–Ceramic Plates with Pyramidal Inclusions

Abstract Numerical simulations were performed to investigate the response of a finite–thickness metal–ceramic plate with a periodically arranged pyramidal mesostructure under impact by a penetrating rod projectile. The plate was fabricated from an aluminum (Al)–matrix composite reinforced with Al2O3 ceramic inclusions at a volume fraction of 30%. A functionally graded microstructure was realized as a periodic array of pyramidal inclusions oriented along the surface normal. The effectiveness of the spatial arrangement of the pyramidal inclusions in controlling the trajectory of the rod projectile was demonstrated. An offset arrangement of inclusions relative to adjacent cells was found to increase dynamic resistance relative to a laminated structure at equal areal density. The dynamic resistance of the plate with pyramidal inclusions also increased under interaction with a rod projectile at a nonzero angle of attack.