Applications and Limitations of Finite Element Analysis to Armament Components

A review of three applications of finite element methods for stress, displacement, and stress intensity factor analyses of various armament component is presented. First, stress analysis of sections from outside diameter notched cylinders was performed to describe the cylinders fatigue life behavior. Second, stress analysis methods for long rod projectiles subjected to inertial loading were developed the stresses at a failure location of a projectile were used to help explain the failure and were related to results of mechanical tests of the projectile and the projectile material. Last, stress intensity factor and displacement analyses of fracture mechanics test specimens were performed to recommend standardized test procedures. Stress intensity factor and load-line displacement solutions were obtained for three-point bend, arc-shaped specimens which can be conveniently cut from cylindrical vessels and pipes. The finite element solutions were compared with collocation solutions for the same and similar geometries.