Accurate predictions of plate puncture problems demand sophisticated modeling of elastic–plastic material response and ductile failure. This study explores dynamic puncture testing of thin aluminum 7075-T651 sheets and simulations of the tests through finite-element simulations incorporating advanced plasticity and ductile failure models. Puncture tests of plates with thicknesses ranging from 1 to 4.8 mm were conducted with a 25.4 mm flat punch attached to a 140 kg carriage of a drop-table machine. This study explores if accurate predictions for the minimum punch velocity to cause rupture and the punch force–time for these experiments can be made using advanced plasticity and failure models calibrated from a 12.7 mm thick plate of the same alloy, but of a different material lot. Plasticity model calibration was performed from quasi-static, high-rate and elevated-temperature tensile tests. Failure model calibration was performed from a series of notched-tension, hat-compression and butterfly shear tests. Predictions were excellent for both the minimum punch speed to puncture and the force–time histories in all cases, indicating that the calibration of these plasticity and failure models is specific enough to provide accurate predictions, yet general enough to apply to plates of a different material lot. This talk will address both experimental and numerical aspects of plate puncture and material model calibration.