Numerical Study on Response of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy Subjected to High-Velocity Projectile Perforation

Magnesium alloys have been widely utilized in the automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries. In this paper, a dynamic constitutive model for metal was developed and integrated into a VUMAT user subroutine to precisely predict the behavior of AZ31B magnesium alloy subject to high-velocity impact. Quasi-static smooth round bar tensile test and irregular shear test were conducted using a universal testing machine. Finite element models were developed in ABAQUS/EXPLICIT to numerically simulate these tests and to calibrate the relevant parameters of the strength model and failure criteria for AZ31B magnesium alloy. To validate the accuracy and applicability of the present model, the numerical results for 0.5-cal FSP bullet and 20 mm FSP bullet impacting AZ31B magnesium alloy plates were compared with test observations. It is found: the ballistic limit and perforation failure pattern of the plate can be accurately predicted by the present model; the failure mechanism of AZ31B magnesium alloy plates is influenced by projectile nose shape, with the highest ballistic limit corresponding to flat-nosed projectile and the lowest corresponding to conical-nosed projectile; the failure patterns are dependent on plate thickness, i. e., shear failure occurs in thicker plate, while bending deformation and petal-like tearing failures are dominated in thinner plate.