Problem statement
This project addresses the study and understanding of the behaviour of construction materials subjected to ballistic impacts using computational Finite Element modelling. As in this field experimental work is hugely expensive, validating computational models and using them to explore a large variety of scenarios can be very beneficial. This issue is made relevant by the unfortunate presence of terrorist threat in urban and military environments in some parts of the world.
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Terrorist attacks have not always been such a threat in so many parts of the world as they are today. Prior to the beginning of the 21st century only a handful of countries had to worry about acts of terrorism. The date that set a huge benchmark in that respect was 11/09/2001 - the day when the World Trade Centre was attacked. Although the events that happened in New-York and Washington DC on that day are not directly related to the topic of this project, 9/11 was the big catalyst that moved the focus of ballistic studies from exclusively military to the civil sector. The most recent example of a shooting in an environment, which should normally be considered safe, is the Westgate shopping centre attack in Nairobi, Kenya.
Experimental work in this field poses several obstacles that make computational models a desirable alternative. The main difficulty associated with ballistic testing is the high costs accompanying such experiments. Another hurdle that prevents such work being done in many university labs is the requirement for special licenses if such testing is to be carried out. Consequently using the already available experimental data to validate computational model is the most efficient method of making scientific progress in this field.
Small calibre is used in this topic to refer to projectiles with low mass and medium velocities. The most common small calibre impacts are caused by firearms with an internal diameter of the barrel of up to 9mm. Although small calibre projectiles are primarily antipersonnel weapons they could also be damaging to structures. This is undesirable especially with structures of significant social or military importance, and such buildings need to be protected in the event of a terrorist attack.
Experimental work in this field poses several obstacles that make computational models a desirable alternative. The main difficulty associated with ballistic testing is the high costs accompanying such experiments. Another hurdle that prevents such work being done in many university labs is the requirement for special licenses if such testing is to be carried out. Consequently using the already available experimental data to validate computational model is the most efficient method of making scientific progress in this field.
Small calibre is used in this topic to refer to projectiles with low mass and medium velocities. The most common small calibre impacts are caused by firearms with an internal diameter of the barrel of up to 9mm. Although small calibre projectiles are primarily antipersonnel weapons they could also be damaging to structures. This is undesirable especially with structures of significant social or military importance, and such buildings need to be protected in the event of a terrorist attack.