JH2 and JHB brittle damage package

Categories: Abaqus, Acoustics, CEL and Eulerian, Ceramic and Silicon carbide, Concrete structure, Course, Explosion, Finite Element, Glass, Ice, Jh2 and Jhb model, Rock and Stone

Peyman Karampour

Level

All Levels
Duration

5 hours 20 minutes
Last Updated

September 26, 2025
Certificate

Certificate of completion

21 people watching this product now!

About Course

JH2 and JHB

JH2 (Johnson Holmquist II) and JHB (Johnson Holmquist Beissel) material models. These are specialized constitutive models used in computational mechanics (often in hydrocode simulations like ABAQUS, LS-DYNA, AUTODYN, CTH, etc.) for representing the response of brittle materials (e.g., ceramics, glass, rocks, concrete) under large strains, high strain rates, and high pressures.

This package includes 12 tutorials that cover all about JH2 and JHB material model for rock, glass, ice, concrete, and ceramic.

1. Background

Traditional material models often fail to capture the behavior of brittle materials under impact, penetration, or blast loading.
Brittle solids show elastic behavior up to failure, followed by damage accumulation, fracture, and eventually granular flow when fully comminuted.
The Johnson–Holmquist family of models was developed to capture this in numerical simulations.

2. JH-2 (Johnson–Holmquist II) Model

Developed as an improvement over the earlier JH-1 model.
Designed for ceramics and similar brittle solids.
Key features:
- Pressure- and strain-rate–dependent strength.
- Damage accumulation based on plastic strain.
- A smooth transition from intact material behavior to fully fractured (damaged) behavior.
- Fractured material is modeled with a reduced strength that still depends on pressure.
- Equation of state (EOS) governs the pressure–volume response, allowing for shock compression.

Applications:

Ballistic impact on ceramic armor.
Penetration mechanics.
Blast response of brittle materials.

3. JHB (Johnson–Holmquist–Beissel) Model

An extension and refinement of JH-2, created to address limitations and add flexibility.
Sometimes called the JH-2 Beissel model.
Enhancements over JH-2:
- More robust treatment of damage evolution.
- Improved high-pressure response and failure modeling.
- Often includes optional features like strain-rate softening or more sophisticated EOS formulations.
Provides better numerical stability in certain codes (e.g., AUTODYN).

4. General Model Structure

Both JH-2 and JHB share the same conceptual foundation:

Equation of State (EOS): Defines volumetric response under compression and tension.
Strength Model: Provides pressure- and strain-rate–dependent deviatoric strength for intact and fractured states.
Damage Evolution: Scalar damage parameter (0 = intact, 1 = fully damaged) that blends intact and fractured strengths.
Failure Surface: Defines conditions where cracking and granular flow dominate.

Summary:

JH-2: Widely used for ceramics and brittle solids, balancing accuracy and efficiency.
JHB: A refined version, with better handling of high pressures and improved numerical stability.
Both are essential in impact, penetration, and blast simulations where brittle failure must be captured realistically.

Course Content

Example-1: Simulation of the ice breaking by using the brittle damage criterion
In this lesson, the simulation of the ice breaking by using the brittle damage criterion is studied. The ice part is modeled as a three-dimensional solid part and the steel part as a rough body is modeled as a three-dimensional solid part. The steel material with elastic-plastic behavior is used for the impactor part. The ice material adopts the Johnson-Holmquist model constitutive model, in which the damage model part adopts the cumulative damage model. The parameters of the constitutive model are used in the input file because this model can’t be used in the Abaqus CAE, and the parameters are close to the mechanical properties of freshwater ice at -15 °C. The dynamic explicit step with mass scale to hasten the simulation is implied. The surface-to-surface contact and general contact with contact properties like friction are used to define the contact domain. The fixed boundary condition is assigned to the ice, and a displacement boundary with amplitude to apply the smooth load is assigned to the steel part.

Abaqus Files
Document
Tutorial Video-1

00:00
Tutorial Video-2

00:34

Example-2: Analysis of the ice damage under an underwater near-field explosion-CEL method
In this section, the analysis of the ice damage under an underwater near-field explosion is presented by using the CEL method. The ice is modeled as a three-dimensional solid part. The TNT, air, and water are modeled as three-dimensional Eulerian parts. Due to the extremely short reaction time of the explosion detonation process, the impact equivalent is large, the detonation load is complex, and the ice material is a very special solid medium with non-uniformity, anisotropy, corresponding variability, and temperature sensitivity, causing damage to ice materials under explosive conditions is an extremely complex process. Under the existing experimental equipment and testing methods, it is impossible to completely and accurately observe the damage process of the non-uniform stress-strain field caused by the explosion of the meso-level structure of the ice medium. Due to the anti-expansion characteristics of water, the ice layer is at the junction of water and air, and the air needs to be simulated during the calculation process. Air is simulated using the Ideal Gas Equation. The air can be defined by using ambient pressure and the gas constant. The JWL equation of state is used to describe the process of detonation and volume change of detonation products of TNT explosives. To define water behavior, the Us-Up equation of state is used. The Johnson-Holmquist model is used to define ice behavior under a severe load. The Johnson-Holmquist is a constitutive model, in which the damage model is based on the equivalent plastic strain. The dynamic explicit step is appropriate for this type of analysis. The general contact algorithm with the contact property is used as an interaction.

Example-3: Prediction model of depth of penetration for alumina ceramics under garnet impact
In this case, the prediction model of depth of penetration for alumina ceramics under garnet impact is done through a comprehensive tutorial. The target and projectile were modeled as three-dimensional parts. The JH-2 constitutive model was proposed to describe the response of ceramic materials to large strain rates. The JH-2 constitutive model requires several material constants to completely describe the response of a particular ceramic material. The dimensions of the target were 1000×400×400μm3. The boundary conditions for the target were defined as follows: Nodes impacted by a particle on the top face of the target were set free, while nodes on all the other five exterior faces of the target were fixed. A more refined mesh was used in the vicinity of the impact on the target, while a relatively coarse mesh was applied away from the impact area. The abrasive particle was modeled as a sphere using rigid 3D solid (tetrahedral) elements. A dynamic explicit procedure is appropriate for this type of analysis. The initial velocity is 700 meters per second assigned to the garnet. After the impact, the damage variable is obvious, and the garnet penetrated the target

Example-4: Simulation of the steel-Silicon Carbide-Steel trilayers subject to ballistic impact
In this lesson, the simulation of the steel-Silicon Carbide-Steel trilayers subject to ballistic impact is studied. Armor systems containing ceramic components can significantly outperform monolithic metals of equivalent areal density. Their performance depends not only on the intrinsic properties of the constituent materials but also on the relative amounts of ceramic and metal and their spatial arrangement. For applications involving military ground vehicles, the armor must be designed to protect against a range of projectile threats and be lightweight to maintain vehicle maneuverability, load-carrying capacity, and fuel efficiency. In the present study, numerical simulations with established constitutive laws for the constituent materials are used to investigate the effects of design on the ballistic performance of model composite armors comprising layers of ceramic and metal. Comparisons are made based on equivalent areal density Two steel plates and a ceramic plate are modeled as three-dimensional parts. To model steel behavior for plates and projectile elastic. plastic data depend on strain rate, ductile damage with evolution, and shear damage have been used. To model silicon carbide behavior under high strain rate deformation, Johnson-Holmquist-Beissel has been used. The JHB model consists of three main components: a representation of the deviatoric strength of the intact and fractured material in the form of a pressure-dependent yield surface, a damage model that transitions the material from the intact state to a fractured state, and an equation of state (EOS) for the pressure-density relation that can include dilation (or bulking) effects as well as a phase change. A dynamic explicit procedure is appropriate for this type of analysis. General contact by considering internal element erosion is defined as the input file.

Example-5: Air blast explosion analysis of the composite panel(glass+PVB)
In this section, the air blast explosion analysis of the composite panel(glass+PVB) is investigated. Explosions in air create characteristic pressure-time signatures that propagate outwards. Upon impact of the pressure waves with annealed glass, sharp glass fragments are formed, which can cause injuries. With blast loading threats, laminated glass is employed to increase protection by the glass fragments remaining adhered to the interlayer, and by the interlayer deforming to absorb the pressure loads. The two solid and deformable glass layers are used. Between those glass layers, the PVB material is a solid part. To model glass behavior under intensive load, such as blast or high velocity impact, the proper material model needs to be selected. Abaqus gives some material models that are available in the cae, input file, and VUMAT subroutine. In this case, the input file capability is selected to define a new material model for the glass. To model PVB material, the elastic-plastic behavior is selected. The dynamic explicit step is appropriate for this type of analysis. The mass scale technique is considered to reduce the stable time and also reduce the time of the simulation. The perfect or ideal contact is assumed between glass laminates and PVB, and also the surface-to-surface contact with stiffness can be used. The CONWEP air blast procedure is selected to apply the blast load on the panel surface

Example-6: Ballistic impact modeling of the steel projectile on the soda-lime glass
In this case, the ballistic impact modeling of the steel projectile on the soda-lime glass is presented. Glass is a very complex material, whose modelling presents a significant challenge. Glass is very compressible and experiences densification that increases with time, temperature, pressure, and applied shear. It was demonstrated that pressure has a significant effect on its strength, where higher pressures produce higher strengths. Glass also appears to be strain-rate sensitive, and its flexural strength increases with the loading rate. Its spall strength is high, and its elastic limit marks the onset of fracture upon shock loading . Glass also exhibits scale effects where smaller samples are stronger than larger ones, as could be expected from a brittle defect-containing material. It also experiences time-dependent inelastic deformation and strength loss during the plate impact experiment Glass and a projectile are modeled as a three-dimensional part. Steel material is used for the projectile with elastic Johnson-Cook plasticity, which rate rate-dependent. To model glass behavior under high-rate pressure load, Abaqus gives some proper material models that can be achieved from CAE, input file, or VUMAT subroutine. In this tutorial input file capability is used to define a material model that considers all aspects of glass behavior.

Example-7: CEL explosion analysis of a steel-UHPC composite RC column with multiple encased steel profiles
In this lesson, the CEL explosion analysis of a steel-UHPC composite RC column with multiple encased steel profiles is studied. The Ultra-High-Performance-Concrete is modeled as a three-dimensional solid part. The bar and strip are modeled as three-dimensional wire parts. The steel beam core and TNT part are modeled as solid shapes, and the domain is modeled as an Eulerian part. The past decade has witnessed frequent occurrences of localized wars and terrorist attacks. Some important infrastructure, such as government buildings and embassy buildings, might be targets for a terrorist bombing attack. Understanding structural response to explosive loads is essential to protect critical infrastructure against explosions. Damage assessment of RC beams has been an active research field for many years due to RC beams being the primary connection and the force transmission in building structures. The damage assessment of RC members is a complicated problem. RC beams will manifest cracks, crushing, and spalling under explosion. These phenomena are affected by various parameters, such as the number of main steel bars, permeability of concrete, stress waveform, detonation point, and air pressure, among others. To model UHPC behaviour under severe load, the Johnson-Holmquist material method is selected. The model simulates the increase in strength shown by ceramics subjected to hydrostatic pressure as well as the reduction in strength shown by damaged ceramics. This is done by basing the model on two sets of curves that plot the yield stress against the pressure. To model TNT behaviour, the JWL equation of state is used. The Jones-Wilkins-Lee (JWL) equation of state (EoS) is commonly used in explosives modeling for describing the pressure-volume-energy relationship of detonation products. JWL EOS contains parameters describing relationships between volume, energy, and pressure of detonation products. The metal cylinder expansion test of detonation products determines these parameters. The chemical energy released during the time interval is stored in the burnt products of the explosive itself. To model steel beams as the core, the Johnson-Cook hardening and damage are considered. The elastic-plastic model is used for the steel bars and strips

Example-8: High-velocity impact of the steel projectile on the Reinforced UHPC
In this section, the high-velocity impact of the steel projectile on the Reinforced UHPC is investigated. The Ultra-High-Performance Concrete is modeled as a three-dimensional solid part, the embedded beam parts are modeled as a three-dimensional wire part, and finally, the steel projectile is modeled as a solid part. In recent modern structures, the UHPC slab is used because of its high compressive strength. The Concrete Damaged Plasticity Model (CDPM) was used for defining the two main mechanisms of concrete failure: tensile cracking and compressive crushing. The CDPM was fed stress-strain values in compression and tension, relying on the test compressive strength of concrete. The CDP model is not appropriate for the impact, especially high-velocity impact. To have proper behavior under high strain load, we should use a new material model for the UHPC, which is available from the input files as writing codes, or the vumat subroutine. For the steel bars and projectile, elastic-plastic behavior with the damage model, such as ductile and shear, is selected. The dynamic explicit step is selected for this analysis. The general contact capability with the contact property is used to consider all contacts in the contact domain. The steel reinforcements are embedded inside the concrete slab.

Example-9: High-velocity impact on the RC panel
In this case, the high-velocity impact on the RC panel is presented. The dimensions are extracted from the paper. The concrete slab is modeled as a three-dimensional solid part. The steel reinforcements are modeled as three-dimensional wire parts. The material is used based on the paper information. The concrete Johnson-Holmquist model that is available through a VUMAT code or input file modification is selected to consider damage under the high-velocity impact. To model steel reinforcement, JC hardening and damage are considered. The dynamic explicit step with 0.001 seconds as step time is used. The general contact capability with erosion effect to considered internal failure as input code for internal use. The fixed boundary condition is assigned to all sides of the panel, and the initial velocity to the bullet. After the simulation, the results, like the residual velocity for the bullet, kinetic energy, deformation, and damage shape, are the same as the paper. The residual velocity for the paper and simulation is reached as the same.

Example-10: Numerical modeling of the failure modes of concrete gravity dams subjected to underwater explosion
In this lesson, the numerical modeling of the failure modes of concrete gravity dams subjected to underwater explosion is studied. With the increased world tension, terrorist bombing attacks or accidental explosions are becoming a large threat to infra-structure such as the important economic, military and civilian facilities. The research on the antiknock safety of structures has increasingly attracted people’s attention. In order to meet the ever-increasing demand for power, irrigation, and drinking water, the majority of high dams are being built or to be built. Considering their significant political and economic benefits, undoubtedly, high dams might be targeted by terrorists because the possible failure of dams can cause economic disaster, a large number of casualties, and garner significant media attention. Since the September 11 attacks by terrorists, there has been increasing public concern about the threat of bomb attacks on dam structures. Therefore, protection of dam structures against blast loads is an important component of homeland security. Study on the failure modes and antiknock performance of concrete gravity dams subjected to underwater explosion is crucial to evaluate their antiknock safety. While, the physical processes during an explosive detonated in water and shock wave propagation are extremely complex, and the subsequent response of the dam subjected to explosion shock loading is much more complicated than that under other loadings such as static and earthquake loadings. In this simulation to model the dam and water, three-dimensional parts were used. To define the correct behavior for concrete under high strain rate and huge stress, it is necessary to use an appropriate material model to consider damage. During the process, the damage distribution is obvious and the damage can be changed by increasing or decreasing the amount of TNT or changing the position of the source point as the TNT source.

Example-11: Numerical simulation of high velocity impact on Granite stone
In this section, the numerical simulation of high velocity impact on Granite stone is investigated. The material constitutive relationship is not only the conclusion of some regulations summarized from experimental data, but also plays an important role in numerical simulations. It reflects the realistic physical and mechanical properties of materials as much as possible to improve the accuracy of numerical results. At present, various kinds of constitutive models for materials are being developed and optimized constantly, along with an increasing need for numerical simulations. Especially for those materials under the loading conditions of large strains, high strain rates, and high pressures (LHH), dynamic constitutive models usually contain more complicated parameters of physical properties and some sensitive coefficients such as various rate effects and strength coefficients, so that the parameter determination becomes an increasingly difficult problem. The JH-2 constitutive model was initially utilized to simulate the behavior of brittle materials, especially ceramics. The JH-2 model adds softening characteristics and contains pressure-dependent strength, damage, and fracture; significant strength after fracture; bulking; and strain rate effects. The JH-2 constitutive model assumes that the strength of material, both intact and fractured, is dependent on pressure, strain rate, and damage. The dependence of strength on these parameters is represented by a set of constants. These constants are derived from standard dynamic and quasi-static measurements. An explicit step with general contact as inp file to consider internal damage and erosion has been implied. During the analysis, the damage variable for granite is obvious.

Example-12: Analysis of the cloth concrete under explosive load-CEL method
In this case, the analysis of the cloth concrete under explosive load, the CEL method is done through a comprehensive tutorial. The stone wall and cloth, and concrete are modeled as three-dimensional solid parts. The TNT is a solid sphere, and the Eulerian domain is a 3D body. To model stone behavior under a huge amount of pressure, the Johnson-Holmquist material model is selected. The material model Johnson-Holmquist is used for modeling the behavior of brittle materials under large pressure, shear strain, and high strain rate. It is widely used for simulating ballistic impacts and blast loads. To model TNT behavior, the JWL equation of state is considered. The Jones-Wilkens-Lee (or JWL) equation of state models the pressure generated by the release of chemical energy in an explosive. This model is implemented in a form referred to as a programmed burn, which means that the reaction and initiation of the explosive are not determined by shock in the material. Instead, the initiation time is determined by a geometric construction using the detonation wave speed and the distance of the material point from the detonation points. To model the cloth concrete cover, the Concrete Damaged Plasticity model is used. The model is a continuum, plasticity-based, damage model for concrete. It assumes that the two main failure mechanisms are tensile cracking and compressive crushing of the concrete material. The dynamic explicit step with a specific time duration is selected. The proper interaction and constraints are assigned to all parts. The volume fraction method is used to define the volume of the TNT and its location inside the Eulerian domain.

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JH2 and JHB brittle damage package

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What You Will Learn?

About Course

JH2 and JHB

1. Background

2. JH-2 (Johnson–Holmquist II) Model

3. JHB (Johnson–Holmquist–Beissel) Model

4. General Model Structure

Course Content

Abaqus Files

Document

Tutorial Video-1

Tutorial Video-2

Abaqus Files

Document

Tutorial Video-1

Tutorial Video-2

Abaqus Files

Document

Tutorial Video-1

Tutorial Video-2

Abaqus Files

Document

Tutorial Video-1

Abaqus Files

Document

Tutorial Video-1

Tutorial Video-2

Abaqus Files

Document

Tutorial Video-1

Tutorial Video-2

Abaqus Files

Document

Tutorial Video-1

Tutorial Video-2

Tutorial Video-3

Abaqus Files

Document

Tutorial Video-1

Tutorial Video-2

Abaqus Files

Document

Tutorial Video-1

Tutorial Video-2

Abaqus Files

Tutorial Video-1

Tutorial Video-2

Abaqus Files

Document

Tutorial Video-1

Tutorial Video-2

Abaqus Files

Document

Tutorial Video-1

Tutorial Video-2

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