Discrete Particle Methods for Simulating Quasi-Static Load and Hypervelocity Impact Phenomena

In this paper, we introduce a mesh-free computational model for the simulation of high-speed impact phenomena. Within the framework of particle dynamics simulations we model a macroscopic solid ceramic tile as a network of overlapping discrete particles of microscopic size. Using potentials of the Lennard–Jones type, we integrate the classical Newtonian equations of motion and perform uni-axial, quasi-static load simulations to customize our three model parameters to the typical tensile strength, Young’s modulus and the compressive strength of a ceramic. Subsequently we perform shock load simulations in a standard experimental setup, the edge-on impact (EOI) configuration. Our obtained results concerning crack initiation and propagation through the material agree well with corresponding high-speed EOI experiments with Aluminum Oxinitride (AlON), Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) and Silicon Carbide (SiC), performed at the Fraunhofer Ernst-Mach-Institute (EMI). Additionally, we present initial simulation results wher...