Combined Mesh And Mesh Free NumericalTechniques To Efficiently Predict The Response OfConcrete Structures To Impact

Numerical simulation of the response of reinforced concrete structures to impact loading is an important tool in both the design of hardened protective structures and in the planning for effective attack against such structures. This paper describes the use of a combined mesh and meshfree numerical technique to efficiently predict the response of concrete structures to impact. In particular a new technique for representing continuous joins between Lagrangian mesh and meshfree techniques is described. This technique allows the concrete target to be represented numerically by a mesh based Lagrangian technique except in the regions where high deformations are expected. Here a meshfree Lagrangian technique (SPH) is used to overcome problems of mesh tangling and remove the requirement for the use of erosion algorithms. The technique also allows an explicit representation of concrete reinforcement through a Lagrangian beam element formulation which overlays both the mesh and meshfree concrete discretisation. The approach is demonstrated through the simulation of KEP impacts on plain and reinforced concrete. Comparisons with experiments conducted are made where possible.