Analysis of the ballistic impact on sandwich panel: influence of attack angle and target location in structure–bullet interaction

This study presents a numerical investigation of bullet impact on sandwich panel structures. This research aims to demonstrate the ideal performance of sandwich panel structures in resisting ballistic loads based on the type of core geometry and materials used. Numerical simulations were conducted using the Johnson–Cook material model and applied in ABAQUS/Explicit software. Parameters such as shot target location and bullet angle of attack were considered in this study to review the structure’s resistance to ballistic loads. The results showed that the sandwich panel structure with decagon core geometry and Armox 500 T material was optimal in resisting the impact of blunt bullets at 500–700 m/s. The contribution of this research is to provide understanding in the field of ballistics by showing the interaction between the sandwich structure and the bullet through the velocity drop that occurs on the bullet and the energy the structure can absorb. Overall, this research provides insight into improving the design and performance of protective structures.