Finite element analysis of the initial stages of hypervelocity impact

Abstract This paper is concerned with the finite element analysis of the initial stages of hypervelocity impact of solids. Under the assumption that the pressures generated are very high, the target and projectile materials are treated as compressible fluids, neglecting the strength effects. Los Alamos and Tillotson's equations of state are employed in the calculations. The results obtained herein are more accurate than those obtained by finite difference methods.