Numerical predictions of ballistic limits for concrete slabs using a modified version of the HJC concrete model

Some modifications to the Holmquist–Johnson–Cook (HJC) model (1993) for concrete under impact loading conditions are proposed. First, the pressure-shear behaviour is enhanced by including the influence of the third deviatoric stress invariant to take into account the substantial shear strength difference between the tensile and compressive meridians. Second, the modelling of strain-rate sensitivity is slightly changed so that the strain-rate enhancement factor goes to unity for zero strain rate. Third, three damage variables describing the tensile cracking, shear cracking and pore compaction mechanisms are introduced. A critical review of the constitutive model with alternative proposals for parameter identification is given. The model parameters are obtained for two concrete qualities, and perforation of concrete slabs is considered numerically and compared with experimental results from the literature. Ballistic limit assessments with deviations under 8% when compared to the experimental results are obtained, indicating that the modified version of the HJC concrete model represents a good compromise between simplicity and accuracy for large-scale computations of concrete plates impacted by projectiles.