An analytical model for ballistic performance prediction of elastoplastic materials with strain hardening

This study presents an analytical model to predict the ballistic performance of elastoplastic materials with strain hardening under normal impact by rigid penetrators. The model integrates the localized interaction model with the spherical cavity-expansion theory to account for dynamic material behaviour. Key parameters, including cavity-expansion pressure and strain hardening, are incorporated using the Ludwik and Voce hardening laws, enabling accurate predictions of residual velocity and ballistic limit. The model is validated using experimental data for various aluminium alloys and steel plates, demonstrating good agreement between predictions and observations. The proposed analytical approach offers a reliable and computationally efficient tool for evaluating ballistic performance, making it a valuable resource in armour design and impact mechanics research.