Peridynamic modeling of ballistic impact on metallic-ceramic functionally graded Sandwich plates

Abstract

Functionally Graded Sandwich Plates (FGSP) composed of metallic-ceramic layers have been widely investigated for their superior ballistic performance. Their through-the-thickness variation in material properties significantly enhances energy dissipation and resistance to projectile penetration. While traditional numerical FEA tools such as LS-Dyna can simulate such phenomena with reasonable accuracy, the non-local method of peridynamics (PD) offers a promising alternative for capturing complex fracture and failure mechanisms, particularly under dynamic loading. To the authors' best knowledge, direct comparison of the two methods in computational terms on an actual case study has been lacking from literature. In the present article, the ballistic impact of a 0.30 caliber steel projectile to a 7-layer Al-SiC composite FGSP is numerically examined using a bond-based PD framework. Although LS-Dyna was initially selected for both FEA and PD simulations, limitations of the available PD implementation necessitated the adaptation of LAMMPS molecular dynamics simulator to accommodate a fully customized bond-based PD model. A comprehensive parametric study was performed, including variations in lattice discretization, horizon radius and material inhomogeneity, to assess the accuracy and robustness of the PD approach. Comparative analysis against conventional FEA results is presented, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each method in predicting impact response, failure modes and damage evolution. The results demonstrate that the PD method provides enhanced resolution of fracture phenomena, offering valuable insights into the design of advanced FGSPs in ballistic protection applications.