SPH simulations of debris impacts using two different computer codes

This paper reports the results of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations of debris impact on an all aluminium triple wall system, performed by Alenia Aerospazio using the PAM-SHOCK 3D computer code, and by the University of Rome "La Sapienza" using the AUTODYN 2D hydrocode. The point of view of a user interested in debris shielding design and not that of a software developer or an SPH algorithm expert has been adopted. Comparisons between the results of the two codes at early, mid and late stages of impact are shown. Theoretical predictions are used to evaluate the numerical simulations at early stages of impact. The predictions of the damage induced on the plates are compared with the Light Gas Gun experimental data. X-ray pictures are used to evaluate the simulations of the debris cloud expansion and spalled material detached from the intermediate bumper. Traditional Finite Volume (FV) simulation results are reported and compared with SPH results. The authors do not go into any SPH algorithm details, but using the potentiality of the respective codes show what is the current capability of the hydrocodes to assess the ballistic performance of high resistance debris shielding used to protect space structures. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.