SPH FOR HIGH-VELOCITY IMPACT COMPUTATIONS

SPH (Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics) techniques provide the capability to perform high distortion impact computations in a Lagrangian framewo rk. It is also possible to link SPH nodes with standard finite element s such that solutions can be obtained for problems involving both high ly distorted flow and structural response. This paper presents the bas ic computational algorithm which includes a recently developed Normali zed Smoothing Function. It discusses issues associated with smoothing functions, smoothing distances, free boundaries, material interfaces a nd artificial viscosity. It also presents techniques to allow SPH node s to interact with standard finite element grids through sliding, atta chment and automatic generation of SPH nodes from distorted finite ele ments. Examples are provided to illustrate the capabilities, algorithm s and issues.