A structural model of composite materials composed of the metal skeleton

ceramic rods

epoxy

front and back metal plates was proposed. Based on the finite element method

the validity of numerical method was proved by the available experiments. Then

anti-penetration mechanisms of the composite structures were simulated in the process of penetration with three types of steel projectiles (flat-warhead

hemispherical-warhead and conical-warhead). The sub-structures failure modes

energy absorption efficiency

plastic deformation

ballistic performances

velocities and accelerations of the projectiles target plate were analyzed. The results showed that the warhead shape had a great effect on the damage mechanisms and energy absorption characteristics. The flat-warhead and hemispherical-warhead projectiles mainly resulted in crushing damage to the target plate

and the peak acceleration time was shorter. However

the conical-warhead projectile penetration into the target plate mainly resulted in piercing and reaming. The peak acceleration time was greater and the penetration efficiency was the highest. During the projectile penetration

the shear hole and plastic deformation of the metal skeleton

the fracture of the ceramic rod and the plastic deformation of the metal front plate and the metal back plate significantly improved the anti-penetration ability of the structure.