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NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF IMPACT USING

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NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF IMPACT USING AUTODYN

Naury K. Birnbaum*, Malcolm Cowler*, Colin Hayhurst**
*Century Dynamics, Inc., 2333 San Ramon Valley Boulevard, San Ramon, California 94583 USA
**Century Dynamics Limited, Dynamics House, Hurst Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 2DT,
England
ABSTRACT
The AUTODYN software is widely used to simulate non-linear impact phenomena involving large strains
and deformations, plasticity, fracture, and flow. The software, available on PCs to supercomputers, is
packaged in an interactive, integrated environment wherein the pre- and post-processing and the analysis
are contained in a single menu-driven architecture. The software encompasses a number of different
numerical approaches for the analysis of impact problems. Within the software, Lagrange, Euler, ALE
(Arbitrary Lagrange Euler), Shells, and SPH (Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics) numerical processors
(solvers) are available. Impact processes ranging from equipment drop tests to the hypervelocity impact
of space debris on a spacecraft can be modeled.
The results of a number of analyses are presented to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each
numerical technique for different classes of impact applications. It is shown that the selection of the
appropriate numerical technique or combination of techniques is critical to achieving both an accurate
and computationally efficient solution.
Impact case studies presented include:

Hypervelocity impact of space debris on a shielded spacecraft

Impact and penetration of ceramic armor by a steel projectile
Oblique impact and ricochet of a steel sphere on RHA armor
Impact and crush of a steel girder
Explosive formation of an oil well perforator with subsequent impact and penetration on a layered
steel/concrete structure

The solutions illustrate the use of different numerical techniques with emphasis on efficiency and
accuracy. Validation of results with available experimental data is shown. Animations of the numerically
simulated impact phenomena can be shown directly from the AUTODYN software.
INTRODUCTION
Historically the analysis of impact and other fast transient phenomena has been restricted to the use of either
large and difficult computer codes requiring substantial computer resources, or to simplified analytical
models which may ignore much of the fundamental physics. The AUTODYN-2D and 3D hydrocodes are
presented which combine the power of large simulation codes with the simplicity of an interactive menu
driven user environment. The theory of hydrocodes has been widely documented elsewhere, with a
particularly useful overview given in Reference 1.
A significant feature of the AUTODYN software is that alternative numerical processors(solvers) are
available and can be selectively used to model different regions of a problem. In addition, there is full
coupling between all processor types. The general applicability and limitations of the various solvers are
detailed in References 2 and 3. The flexibility offered by the multiple processors makes AUTODYN well
suited to many non-linear dynamic problems including impacts.

The objective of this paper is to briefly describe, with illustrative example calculations, the application of the
AUTODYN-2D and 3D software to a number of different problems. The problems chosen involve wide
ranging impact velocities and event times, and are used to highlight the impact and fast transient phenomena
observed, and the importance of selecting the appropriate processor or combination of processors to best
represent the physical problem.
AUTODYN-2D AND 3D
AUTODYN-2D and 3D are fully integrated engineering analysis codes specifically designed for non-linear
dynamic problems (References 4 and 5). AUTODYN includes all the required functions for model
generation, analysis and display of results in a single interactive graphical menu-driven package. The codes
can be run on personal computers and engineering workstations up to supercomputers (Reference 6). Both
codes are in world wide usage and have been applied to a variety of non-linear problems. They are
particularly well suited to the modelling of impact, penetration, blast and explosion events (Reference 7).
AUTODYN-2D and 3D are explicit integration codes where the physical equations of mass, momentum and
energy conservation coupled with materials descriptions are solved. Alternative numerical processors are
available and can be selectively used to model different regions of a problem. The available processors
include Lagrange for modelling solid continua and structures, and Euler for modelling gases, fluids and the
large distortion of solids. In addition, the software includes an ALE processor which can be used to provide
automatic rezoning and is applicable to specialized flow problems. A Shell processor is available for
modelling thin structures. Finally, an SPH (Smooth Particle Hydrodynamic) processor can be used for
extreme solids deformations. Shocks are handled automatically and accurately. The codes include an erosion
algorithm which enhances the ability of the Lagrange processor to simulate impact problems where large
deformations occur.
A number of material equation of state and constitutive models are available. The equations of state include
the Linear, Polynomial, Shock, JWL, Ideal Gas, Orthotropic, Porous, Tillotson and PUFF models. The
constitutive models include Hydrodynamic, Elastic, Piecewise hardening, Brittle, Von Mises, and MohrCoulomb, and also the Johnson-Cook, Zerilli-Armstrong and Steinberg-Guinan models which include the
effects of strain and strain-rate hardening and thermal softening. The above models are described in
Reference 8. Failure and post-failure modelling is available through a range of instantaneous models.
Finally, other material models can be incorporated by the user through the provided user-subroutine
facilities.
APPLICATIONS
A series of example calculations is presented which utilize the various numerical schemes available in
AUTODYN. The analyses presented involve wide ranging impact velocities and event times, and have been
selected to illustrate the observed impact phenomena and the effective choice and application of the
numerical schemes. A summary of the applications is provided in Table 1.
APPLICATION

2D

3D

PROCESSORS

EVENT TIME(APPROX)

Hypervelocity Impacts

Euler, Lagrange and SPH

0.002 msec

Ceramic Armor Impact,

Lagrange

0.05 msec

Oblique Penetration and Ricochet

Lagrange

.1 msec

Oil well shaped charge and perforation

Euler

.1 msec

Impact and crush of a steel girder

Shell

10 - 500 msecs

Table 1: Summary of Application Problems

Hypervelocity impact of space debris on a shielded spacecraft

The impact of orbital space debris on spacecraft is a very real and serious threat. Even small particles of
matter, because of the relative hypervelocity, can cause major damage and potential destruction of the
space vehicle if not properly designed against. One technique is to place sacrificial bumper materials
around the vehicle which will effectively break up the debris into a finely particulated debris cloud of
melted material. In this AUTODYN simulation, the structure of a debris cloud produced by the oblique
hypervelocity impact of an aluminum sphere with an aluminum bumper and to characterize the size and
velocity of fragments produced by the impact on a subsequent witness plate, AUTODYN-3D was used to
calculate a 45 degree obliquity impact, simulating the physical experiment T4-1303 performed by A.J.
Piekutowski (Reference 12). The complete 6.56 km/sec oblique impact event was calculated on a PC
(Pentium Pro).
The computational domain in AUTODYN-3D was described by three independent Lagrangian subgrids:
9.53-mm-diameter, 2017-T4 aluminum sphere at an initial velocity of 6.56 km/sec and impacting at
45 degrees obliquity
1.143-mm-thick, 6061-T6 aluminum bumper sheet
3.18-mm-thick, 5456-H116 aluminum witness plate positioned 38.1 cm behind the bumper.
Figure 1 shows the sphere impacting the bumper after 1.3 microseconds, the formation of the debris cloud
and the comparison with the experimental X-ray:

Impact detail at 1.3 secs

Debris cloud (side view) 6.6 secs

Experimental X-ray

Figure 1. Hypervelocity impact on a spacecraft shield

The calculation was run for 20,000 cycles(timesteps) until t = 129.5 s. The calculated shape and
movement of the debris cloud produced by the impact corresponded extremely well with the results of the
physical experiment. The long, curved line of projectile fragments produced in the calculation followed
the same path as indicated in the experimental radiographs.
The subsequent impact on the witness-plate by the debris cloud produces damage patterns which compare
well with the irregularly-shaped hole shown in the experiment (Figure 2).

AUTODYN

Experiment

Figure 2. Head on view of witness plate, resultant damage from debris cloud
This calculation was performed using the Lagrange processor with erosion. Another approach available
within AUTODYN is the SPH (Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics) solver wherein a gridless Lagrangian
technique is used.
Ceramic Armor Penetration

t = 0.0

t = 0.05 millisecs

Figure 3. Ceramic Armor Penetration

AUTODYN-2D was used to simulate ceramic armor experiments reported in Reference 9. The target is
comprised of a ceramic facing backed by aluminum. In order to model the strength degradation of failed
ceramic, a brittle damage model was defined as detailed in Reference 10. Figure 3 shows how the main
phenomena observed in the experiments is modelled successfully: The conoid failure plug is formed in the
ceramic material while the incipient backing plate failure also appears. Displacement time histories for the
rear surfaces of the projectile, ceramic and backing plate compare very well with the experimental results
given in Reference 9.
Oblique impact and ricochet of a steel sphere on RHA armor
Steel spheres were impacted on thin armor plates at an oblique angle of 70 degrees. The plates were 6 mm
thick, rolled homogeneous armor. Two types of spheres were used, a hard steel and a soft iron. The initial
velocity was 1500 m/s. This combination of velocity and materials resulted in plate perforation for the hard
spheres but ricochet instead for the soft spheres. In AUTODYN the problem is defined by two Lagrange
grids, one for the sphere and one for the plate. The sphere and the plate interact through a dynamically
defined eroding impact surface. As elements reach a limiting value of strain they are transformed (eroded)

into free mass points. The eroded nodes continue to interact with the existing structures with full momentum
conservation. Figure 4 shows the results of the AUTODYN simulation for the two cases.

Soft Sphere

Hard Sphere

Figure 4. Penetration and ricochet of soft and hard spheres on RHA

Excellent correlation with experiment for the bulge height on the back surface as a function of time was also
found (Reference 13).
Explosive formation of an oil well perforator with subsequent impact on a layered steel/concrete structure
The use of the AUTODYN Euler solver can be used to simulate the explosive formation of a shaped charge
oil well perforator. Use of the Euler solver, wherein the numerical mesh stays fixed in space, and material
flows through it, is particularly well suited to the jet formation process. The thin metal conical liner
undergoes extreme deformations as it collapses onto the axis and forms a liquid metal jet. The AUTODYN
simulation is run until a particular stand-off from the target at which time the target may be introduced. In
the simulation the target is comprised of layers of steel, concrete, and water as would be encountered in an
oil well. Of particular importance is the depth and volume of the hole created as this relates directly to the
efficacy of the perforator. Such calculations provide valuable insight into penetrator design which cannot be
obtained from experiments alone.
Impact and crushing of a steel girder

Figure 5. Time sequence of dynamic crushing of a girder

The relatively slow impact of structures is of interest in such areas as vehicle crashworthiness, equipment
drops, and structural safety. This AUTODYN-3D calculation simulates the impact of a three dimensional
octagonal steel girder against a rigid surface. The Shell processor is used to model the thin-walled structure.
The characteristic buckling and crushing of the structure are shown. The robust interface interaction features
of AUTODYN-3D are able to readily model the folding of the thin walled structure onto itself. This
example illustrates the use of AUTODYN for slower impact events. Such capabilities extend into other
application areas such as metal forming.
CONCLUSIONS
The AUTODYN-2D and 3D software provide a unique set of computational capabilities for solving many
complex engineering problems including impact, penetration, blast and explosion events. A range of
numerical processors, including Lagrange, Euler, ALE, Shell, and SPH are available in AUTODYN-2D &
3D, which can be selectively used to model different regions of a problem. There is full coupling between
these processors, and this enables the user to select the optimal numerical techniques to be used, in terms of
accuracy and computational efficiency.
The results of a series of selected analyses, which involved wide ranging impact velocities and event times,
were presented. These applications highlighted typically observed impact and fast transient phenomena, and
the powerful features of the AUTODYN-2D & 3D software.
REFERENCES
1. Anderson Jr, C.E. , 1987, An Overview of the Theory of Hydrocodes, International Journal of Impact
Engineering, Volume 5.
2. Aizawa T., Katayama, M., Obata H., 1980, Lagrange, ALE and Euler Processors in AUTODYN-2D:
Evaluation of Reliability through Benchmark Problems, 10th International Conference on Structural
Mechanics in Reactor Technology IMPACT III, Anaheim, California USA
3. Birnbaum, N.K. , Cowler, M.S., 1989, Comparison of Euler, Lagrange, ALE and Coupled EulerLagrange Calculations in Terminal Ballistics, Century Dynamics Incorporated, 11th International
Symposium on Ballistics, Brussels, Belgium
4. AUTODYN-2D User's Manual, Century Dynamics Incorporated, 1989.
5. AUTODYN-3D User's Manual, Century Dynamics Incorporated, 1990.
6. Birnbaum, N.K. et al, 1987, AUTODYN - An Interactive Non-Linear Dynamic Analysis Program for
Microcomputers through Supercomputers, 9th SMiRT International Conf., Lausanne, Switzerland
7. AUTODYN Compendium of Papers Revision 1, Century Dynamics Incorporated, 1991.
8. AUTODYN Compendium of Papers on Material Modelling Revision 1, Century Dynamics
Incorporated, 1991.
9. Wilkins, M.L. , 1978, Mechanics of Penetration and Perforation, International Journal of Engineering
Science, Volume 16
10. Persson, A., 1991, CM1 - A Simple Model for the Dynamic Deformation and Failure Properties of
Brittle Materials, Dynamec Research AB, 4th International Symposium on Ceramic Materials and
Components for Engines, Gothenburg, Sweden
11. McDonnell, J.A.M., Gardner, D.J., Newman, P.J., Robertson, N.J., Hayhurst, C.J., 1993, Hydrocode
Modelling in the Study of Space Debris Impact Crater Morphology, First European Space Debris
Conference, Darmstadt, Germany
12. Piekutowski, A.J., 1996, Formation and Description of Debris Clouds Produced by Hypervelocity
Impact, NASA Contractor Report 4707
13. Kivity, Y. et al, 1995, High Obliquity Impact of Soft and Hard Spheres on Thin Plates, 15th
International Symposium on Ballistics, Jerusalem