Steel-Plate Composite Walls Subjected to Missile Impact: Numerical Evaluation of Local Damage

Abstract

This paper presents the results from numerical investigations conducted to evaluate the local damage and perforation of steel-plate composite (SC) walls subjected to missile impact. Numerical models of laboratory-scale SC wall specimens, tested previously, were developed and analyzed in LS-DYNA software. The steel faceplates and the projectile were modeled using solid elements with piecewise linear plasticity material model. The concrete core was modeled using solid elements with the Winfrith concrete model. Tie bars and shear stud anchors were modeled using beam elements with the piecewise linear plasticity material model. Zero-length discrete beam elements were used to represent the force-slip behavior of the shear stud anchors. Contact and constraint commands were used to model the physical interaction between the various components of the wall model. The numerical models were benchmarked by comparing numerical analysis results with experimental results including projectile penetration depth, rear (nonimpact) steel faceplate deformation pattern and bulging depth, and concrete conical frustum formation. The benchmarked models were used to conduct numerical parametric studies to enhance the experimental database, establish perforation velocity ranges, and evaluate the influence of various SC wall design parameters on local damage. The collected experimental and numerical results indicate that the steel faceplate reinforcement ratio and material strength are significant design parameters influencing local damage from projectile impact.