Design Optimization with ESTECO modeFRONTIER in the contest of impact dynamics

The work explores an optimization methodology designed to engineer explosively formed projectile (EFP) devices, meeting dimensional and performance prerequisites associated with the normal impact conditions of the generated projectile on a RHA steel plate target.
The baseline design entails a liner whose configuration is a product of revolving a profile formed by interconnecting two arcs of a circumference (upper and lower) through two vertical straight lines—positioned along the symmetry axis and the opposing extremity. The encompassing casing adopts a cylindrical shape.
The work investigates a range of input variables, device dimensions such as diameter and length, along with the liner's thickness at both the symmetry axis and extremity and the radius of the upper liner surface.
Conducting simulations through LS-DYNA software, diverse modeling approaches underwent scrutiny to validate a literature-based experiment. The selection process culminated in adopting the Eulerian 2D axisymmetric approach for subsequent optimization efforts.
The optimization process is executed through the modeFRONTIER software, employing the MOGA-II genetic algorithm to maximize three distinct objective functions under constraints aligned with predefined requirements. These objective functions are the projectile's velocity upon formation, the minimum hole diameter on the target after the penetration, and the projectile's velocity after penetrating the target.
The designs of the Pareto frontier emerge as primary candidates, poised for further evaluation.
This work underscores the significance of an optimization process in shaping effective EFP devices capable of satisfying rigorous performance demands in real-world scenarios.