SPH evaluation of out-of-plane peak force transmitted during a hypervelocity impact

Smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) technique is applied to simulate a hypervelocity impact of an aluminum sphere on a simple aluminum target and on a honeycomb structure sandwich panel in order to provide a useful input to Finite Element Model or Statistical Energy Model on evaluating the vibration environment induced by the projectile on the target. The impact velocity range lays between 4 and 5 km/s. Different approaches have been analyzed. At first, the application of SPH technique for direct calculation of the vibration environment is described. Then the calculation of equivalent force impulse is evaluated. Two strategies have been applied: shear stress analysis and momentum calculation using drift velocity measurement. Momentum approach revealed to be the most convenient and reliable method. Results for an aluminum plate and a honeycomb sandwich panel are reported and compared to results of experiments and Finite Element Analysis.