Material point method simulations of fragmenting cylinders

Most research on the simulation of deformation and failure of metals has been and continues to be performed using the finite element method. However, the issues of mesh entanglement under large deformation, considerable complexity in handling contact, and difficulties encountered while solving large deformation fluid-structure interaction problems have led to the exploration of alternative approaches. The material point method uses Lagrangian solid particles embedded in an Eulerian grid. Particles interact via the grid with other particles in the same body, with other solid bodies, and with fluids. Thus, the three issues mentioned in the context of finite element analysis are circumvented. In this paper, we present simulations of cylinders which fragment due to explosively expanding gases generated by reactions in a high energy material contained inside. The material point method is the numerical method chosen for these simulations discussed in this paper. The plastic deformation of metals is simulated using a hypoelastic-plastic stress update with radial return that assumes an additive decomposition of the rate of deformation tensor. Various plastic strain, plastic strain rate, and temperature dependent flow rules and yield conditions are investigated. Failure at individual material points is determined using porosity, damage and bifurcation conditions. Our models are validated using data from high strain rate impact experiments. It is concluded that the material point method possesses great potential for simulating high strain-rate, large deformation fluid-structure interaction problems.