Abstract: The process of the projectile penetrating into plain concrete is numerically simulated with the BPM2D (beam-particle model in two dimensions). The discrete element method (DEM) and the finite element method (FEM) have their own advantages and weaknesses. Basically, the DEM was developed for predicting the failure problems accompanying with the transition from continuum to non-continuum media. However, it is not accurate to calculate the problem of continuum media. The FEM may forecast the failure area of the material reasonably, while it is hard to calculate the failure process in brittle media. Therefore it becomes a good choice to combine the two methods to construct a hybrid model. The BPM2D is presented on the basis of the DEM and the FEM. Three types of beam in the BPM2D have been used to form numerical model of concrete. The mechanical properties of every type beam vary with their strain-rate and are randomly allocated according to Weibull distribution to reflect the initial heterogeneity of concrete at the mesoscale level. The failure process of the projectile penetrating into concrete is discussed. It was displayed that the deceleration history of projectile in penetrating. The comparison of the simulation results with the experimental data shows that the BPM2D is applicable to simulate the dynamic failure problems of brittle material.

Key words: concrete, numerical simulation, penetration, deceleration, beam-particle model