Dynamic Characterization and Constitutive Model for Impact Simulation of Sandstone

Sandstone impact is a common occurrence that can have critical implications, especially in the transportation sector. In order to enhance the ability of structures such as aircraft and other vehicles to withstand impacts from sandstone debris, simulation tools can be employed during the structural design stage. To determine the rate-dependent constitutive parameters of sandstone that can be used for creating a material model to simulate sandstone impacts, a detailed investigation on the dynamic mechanical properties of sandstone was performed by conducting quasi-static, dynamic, and impact tests. The results demonstrate that the determined parameters of Holmquist–Johnson–Cook (HJC) model can accurately describe the mechanical behaviour of sandstone in static and dynamic compression tests. The model also predicts well the impact response of sandstone against aluminum target plates. Parametric studies were conducted to explore the sensitivity of the constitutive parameters as well as to provide guidance for determining the values for constitutive parameters that are difficult to determine experimentally. The simulation model presented in this study provides a valuable tool for designing vehicles or aircraft that can better tolerate impact damage from sandstone debris.