Computer Simulation of Ballistics Gelatin Targets Shot with Small Caliber Projectiles

Background

Ballistics gelatin is commonly used as a soft tissue surrogate in projectile penetration tests. In most cases the focus of the experiments resides in determining physical parameters related to the final condition of the ballistics gelatin target and/or the projectile once their motion has stopped (i.e., at the end of the event). However, in some studies the aspect of interest is the transient behavior of the ballistics gelatin target due to the penetration of the projectile. Given the difficulties associated with accurately measuring certain parameters during ballistic impact events and the time and resources required to perform experiments, it is very desirable to have computer models that can represent in an adequate fashion the interaction of the projectile with the ballistics gelatin target and the transient response of the latter.

Soldiers and first responders facing the threat of the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) require personal protective equipment (PPE) that can help reduce the injuries that are sustained when shrapnel and other debris impact the body. At the present time, the PPE that is commonly used in combat and peacekeeping operations provides protection to the head and the vital organs in the thoracic cavity. Given the relatively high incidence of injuries to the extremities, options to protect the limbs that are practical and cost effective are being explored. Experiments involving ballistic gelatin targets can give insight into the transient response that takes place during perforating projectile wounds as well as serve to conduct initial testing of equipment aimed at protecting the extremities.

Project Details

The project in which the student will be participating involves using ballistics gelatin targets to conduct studies related to perforating projectile wounds in the lower extremities. One of the possible avenues of wound contamination is the suction effect that takes place due to the transient motion of the soft tissue. The experiments and computer simulations that will be conducted will explore the suction effect that takes place when ballistics gelatin targets are shot with small caliber projectiles at low to moderate speeds. The following figures provide an idea of the type of experimental and numerical simulation activities associated with the project.

Skills Development

• Apply solid and fluid mechanics concepts to a practical problem
• Learn about constitutive models used to represent the mechanical behavior of materials like ballistics gelatin
• Run numerical simulations using a commercial finite element analysis program
• Learn to use high speed digital cameras
• Use a commercially available motion tracking software
• Validation and verification of computer simulations

Research Duties

• Help to improve the setup currently used to conduct the experiments
• Help during experiments and use motion tracking software to extract information for high speed video footage.
• Literature review of constitutive models and material properties for ballistics gelatin.
• Prepare and run computer models of experiments conducted in the lab.
• Compare numerical and experimental results 

Impact of Research

The results from the experiments and the numerical simulations will help to gain a better understanding of the suction effect that takes place during perforating projectile wounds. The knowledge gained will be useful to assess the importance of the suction effect as a source of wound contamination.

Research Team

You will be working with Dr. Muci and one of his graduate students during the project.

Dr. Muci areas of expertise include Solid Mechanics and Computational Mechanics. He will serve as the lead on the project.

For more details on this project, contact the lead investigator:

Karim.muci@sdmst.edu