Investigation on penetration resistance of foamed concrete

This paper studies the penetration resistance of lightweight foamed concrete subjected to impact by hard projectiles. Experiments were performed to obtain the mechanical properties of the material and the penetration depth. Complete stress-strain curves in compression are presented, based on which several important parameters for the description of the compressive strength and energy absorption of the foamed concrete were determined. The penetration depths of hard projectiles were measured at various impact velocities between 10 m/s and 150 m/s with different types of projectile nose shapes including flat, cone and spherical noses. A simulation model based on rigid body dynamics and a shock resistance function is proposed to predict the penetration depth. Reasonably good agreement between experimental and simulating results is achieved.