Efficient modeling of panel-like structures in perforation simulations

This paper presents results of numerical simulations for impact effects in panel-like structures using solid and shell element modeling techniques. Three examples from experiments in literature have been numerically analyzed. The nonlinear transient dynamic analysis code, LS-DYNA is used in the simulations to model projectiles and panel-like targets. It is found that models established for panel-like targets using solid shell elements cannot only save significant computational effort, but also produce good results as long as the panel-like targets satisfy certain conditions. A criterion that governs the validity of modeling panel-like targets with shell elements is proposed in the paper.