Particle-based meshfree models for predicting the shock propagation through heterogeneous viscoelastic solids

We develop a bonded particle model (BPM) to study dynamic impact and shock propagation in mechanically heterogeneous dissipative solids. We calibrate the BPM model interactions to realize isotropic solids with tunable nonlinear elasticity and linear dissipation. We simulate compressive impact and predict the development, steady profile, and propagation of shock fronts for varying material dissipation strength. Simulation results are validated against analytic predictions for shocks propagating in a generalized Kelvin-Voight material. Simulated shocks display transient evolution and steady-state broadening consistent with theory predictions. We then demonstrate application of our model to predict shock propagation through a mechanically heterogeneous and highly dissipative soft material environment. Our models provide an efficient strategy for predicting shock response in soft and biological material systems.