DEVELOPMENT OF A NUMERICAL MODEL OF THE 9 MM PARABELLUM FMJ BULLET INCLUDING JACKET FAILURE

Even though ballistic experiments are widely accepted as the only reliable way to probe terminal effects, we demonstrate that computer simulation can be a useful alternative. Par- ticularly, the high energy projectiles are seldom studied in the field of forensic sciences. That situation being favorable to computer simulation, a 3D finite element model of the worldwide- used 9 mm Parabellum bullet has been developed with Abaqus explicit software. A Johnson- Cook constitutive model, fed with the split Hopkinson pressure bar experimental parameters, accurately describes the materials’ behavior (lead and brass). Experiments were performed with a handgun and a hard steel plate target in order to discuss the reliability of the model. Accurate predictions about bullet deformation and failure were obtained without any post- calculation adjustment of parameters.