FEM Simulation of Ballistic Impacts on Pompeii Walls for the Reconstruction of Roman Throwers War Machine

Abstract. Beginning with the visible dents observed on the fortified walls of Pompeii, a reverse engineering methodology is employed to uncover the engineering principles behind the design of Roman military devices, which played a crucial role in their conquests across the empire. In this context, utilizing photogrammetric data collected through experimental recordings, the study aims to simulate projectile impacts on Grey Tuff to estimate the velocities at impact and the resulting penetration depths. This provides valuable insights into the destructive capabilities of Roman weaponry. Material behaviour models are developed and integrated into finite element analyses. The process includes mesh convergence testing, calibration of impact velocities, and examination of impact angles to determine the launch conditions of projectiles that align with the observed damage patterns. Based on these findings, the study offers guidelines for the design principles underlying Roman war machines, contributing to a better understanding of their construction and effectiveness.