Experimental and numerical study on failure mechanisms of the 7.62 $$\times $$ 25 mm FMJ projectile and hyperelastic target material during ballistic impact

The main aim of the work was the experimental and numerical analysis of the energy absorption/dissipation capabilities and failure mechanisms of novel hyper-elastic target material intended for ballistic applications including layers of composite armors, projectile catching systems and anti-ricochet layers covering walls of shooting ranges, ballistic tunnels, etc. Static and dynamic mechanical properties of the material were analyzed at both room and elevated temperatures ( $$40\div 80\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$ ). Numerical models of the material and $$7.62\times 25$$  mm FMJ projectile were defined. Simulations of the hyper-elastic target penetration with the projectile were carried out. The differences between the results obtained numerically and experimentally were determined (measured as a relative error) and were lower than 15% what testified about proper definition of the numerical models of the analyzed phenomenon components.