Discrete element modelling of missile impacts on a reinforced concrete target

Abstract: A three-dimensional Discrete Element Method (DEM) is used to study the penetration and perforation process of a concrete target subjected to rigid flat-nose-shaped missile impacts. The evolution of the missile velocity is compared with real test cases made by the French Atomic Energy Agency (CEA) and the French Electrical Power Company (EDF). The perforation limits observed in the experimental data are well predicted by the three-dimensional discrete element model. Parametric studies are then carried out to show the respective roles of the mechanical components, such as the dependence of the perforation process on the percentage of reinforcement