A fractal comminution approach for scaling issues of penetration failure of concrete target.

• The mechanisms of failure of the concrete target under penetration is analyzed. • The scaling issue of the resistant stress of concrete target is investigated. • The formula of the resistance with size effect is restructured. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the scaling issue for the penetration problem of concrete target impacted by a rigid projectile. The mechanisms of failure and comminution are proposed for the analysis of resistant stress of the concrete target. By introducing the fractal theory for the comminution, the formula of quasi-static resistant stress is derived. The fracture energy and the scaling term are well included in the derived formula without further empirical assumptions. The experiments of 7 projectiles and concrete targets of 2 strength grades were performed. The proposed formula is validated by our experimental data and the classic empirical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]