Thin steel plates exposed to combined ballistic impact and partially confined airblast loading

Pre-formed defects created by high-velocity impact have the potential to reduce structural integrity of lightweight, flexible structures. This study evaluates effect complex, partially confined detonations on thin steel plates with realistic pre-formed defects. Target containing pre-cut circular holes a diameter 8.0 mm are compared target exposed an initial ballistic from 7.62 APM2 projectiles. The were blast loading generated detonating C-4 inside tube. stand-off distance was fixed and set equal tube radius, where rear end kept open. All tests recorded several pressure sensors, synchronized two high-speed cameras monitoring dynamic response plates. allowed for reliable experimental procedure, serving as benchmark different numerical methods. For similar conditions, showed reduced fracture resistance during holes. Two approaches tested compared, i.e., purely Lagrangian particle-based approach fully coupled simulation using ALE description domain. simulations found underestimate response, while overestimated response. • Thin, pre-damaged subjected loading. Pre-damage either impacts or Experimental investigation A particle method method. Ballistic more detrimental than