Perforation performance study and residual velocity prediction of reactive powder concrete based on mesoscopic numerical simulation and experiments

Abstract

This study investigates the anti-perforation mechanism of reactive powder concrete (RPC) through integrated experimental tests and mesoscopic simulations. Perforation experiments were conducted using a 14.5 mm smoothbore gun on RPC targets containing 2 % steel fibers with three thickness variations (60, 100, and 140 mm). By combining CT scanning and MATLAB-based stochastic fiber modeling, a mesoscopic model incorporating realistic pores and fibers was developed. The established mesoscopic model demonstrated less than 8.3 % error in residual velocity prediction. Through meso‑numerical simulations, it was found that 2–3 % steel fiber content represents the optimal range for comprehensive ballistic efficiency, while 6 % porosity constitutes the critical threshold for the anti‑perforation performance of RPC material. Finally, based on experimental and simulation data, empirical formulas for front and rear crater depths in thin targets were refined to accurately predict residual projectile velocity.