NASA ACC High Energy Dynamic Impact Methodology and Outcomes

High fidelity analysis methods known as Progressive Damage Analysis (PDA) methods, capable of reliably predicting the onset and progression of damage in composite materials, are being developed for HEDI event simulation. Four state-of-the-art PDA methods are being investigated: LS-DYNA MAT162, LS-DYNA MAT261, Smooth-Particle Galerkin (SPG), and EMU Peridynamics. Validation of these PDA models aims to follow a building block approach, starting with coupon- and component-level development. As part of the overall effort, material characterization testing was performed to bridge gaps between existing experimental data and the material property inputs required to predict ballistic impact behavior at the component-level. The material models were updated with the results of the coupon-level testing and were then used to predict panel behavior and damage in ballistic impact events. To assess the accuracy of the PDA methods, these pre-test predictions were compared to the results of ballistic impact testing.