Overview of shock physics codes for armor analysis

Shock physics codes for armor analysis and the computers used to run the codes have improved dramatically over the last five years. Improved algorithms and material models allow accurate and efficient modeling of conventional armor. Desktop workstations routinely perform two-dimensional calculations, and massively parallel computers can perform three-dimensional calculations. New developments in codes and computers promise improved accuracy, increased capabilities, and faster simulation. This paper describes the current state of armor analysis codes and the computers used to run the codes. Armor analysis code features fall into one of five categories: mesh, solution algorithm, material model, heuristic, or computer. This paper discusses the current state of each of these categories and discusses the additional work needed.