Modeling the failure of silicon carbide under high strain-rate compression: A parametric study

Abstract

Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) is the most widely used characterization technique to determine the strength and failure of armor ceramics under impact loading conditions. The modifications in SHPB test apparatus in order to test brittle and hard materials like ceramics, call for extensive trials to understand the perfect combination of parameters that will give reliable results. Conducting experiments over such a large combination of process parameters is an expensive affair and hence the process parameters are often optimized with the help of finite element simulations. In the current study, the high strain rate behavior (through modified-SHPB tests) of Silicon Carbide which is prevalent in armor applications is examined using finite element simulations in Abaqus/Explicit. A thorough investigation of the influence of experimental parameters on the generated stress waves and the material response was carried out. The constitutive behavior of SiC specimen is described using Johnson-Holmquist (JH-2) material model. The observed trends due to changes in parameters related to striker and pulse shaper dimensions are reported, which consequently may be used as a guideline for experimentations on other advanced ceramic materials as well. © 2023