Multi-scale Simulation of Interpenetrating SiC/Al Composite Armor Materials Subjected to Impact Loading Using a Macro-micro Approach

Since the macro anti-penetration performance of interpenetrating SiC/Al composite is controlled mainly by the complex three-dimensional microstructure features. Muti-scale simulation of SiC/Al composite under impact loading was performed by using a macro-micro method. The simulation for macro SiC/Al composite armor plate under impact loading was employed first, then the dynamic boundary conditions from the typical local regions in SiC/Al composite were obtained and applied on its microstructural finite element model as a loading condition to analyze the dynamic damage and failure process in the typical local regions. The results revealed that, in the local region right below the impact point, the cracks initiated mainly near the SiC/Al interface, just on the side of the SiC ceramic phase, then continuously propagated parallel to the direction of the bullet axis and eventually converged together to form axial main cracks. Meanwhile, in the region at a 45° angle to the direction of bullet axis, the cracks initiated not only near the SiC/Al interface but also inside the ceramic phase. Subsequently, these cracks propagated, bridged and finally formed cone main cracks. This simulation method provides a feasible technical approach for microstructure topology optimization of the material.