Numerical simulation of the elastic-plastic dynamic response of a slender kinetic energy penetrator

In order to study the dynamic response of a projectile during penetration, a new way within the framework of finite element method, based on Lagrange eight-node constant stress hexahedral continuum elements in LS-DYNA, is explored to get the dynamic bending moment, axial force and shear force along the penetrator cross section. The typical distortion mode of a single plastic hinge failure mode coupling axial force with bending moment on oblique penetration are studied. It is a conservative condition for kinetic energy penetrator (KEP) design to analyse the inertia load on normal penetration, and to combine axial load and lateral load on linearity interaction surface.