Interlaminar shear characterization of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite laminates

Abstract

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber-reinforced composites have received widespread attention in the literature due to their attractive ballistic protection attributes. Recently, investigators are recognizing and demonstrating the significant role that interlaminar shear has on their ballistic performance. In this paper, we present a characterization methodology to quantify the quasi-static interlaminar shear strength and nonlinear interlaminar shear stress-strain response of UHMWPE composite laminates. The methodology uses a tension loaded double-lap coupon design to introduce interlaminar shear loading. Coupon displacement measurements using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) coupled with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) incorporating nonlinear material behavior and traction-separation behavior is an integral part of the data reduction scheme. This research provides a unique methodology for developing interlaminar shear constitutive models for UHMWPE composite laminates, which are critically needed to improve the accuracy of ballistic impact simulations for the development of more efficient armor designs.

Hybrid Self-Reinforced Composite Materials Based on Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

“…Consequently, the higher temperature causes an increase in shear strength while the fiber fraction decreases and mechanical properties of the SRC reduce, which was proved by the flexural tests. Moreover, the obtained shear strength is slightly higher as compared with the laminated sheets of UHMWPE obtained at 132 • C and 13.8 MPa by hot compaction with an polyurethane matrix (range of 2.1-3.8 MPa in this paper, against approximately 2 MPa in [39]).…”

High-Strain-Rate Compressive Behavior of UHMWPE Fiber Laminate

“…In terms of simulations, there were some studies on the quasi-static compression [23], interlaminar shear [24,25], and ballistic impact responses of UHMWPE laminate [14,23]. Nguyen [23] developed finite element (FE) models to verify mechanical test results under out-of-plane compression and got good agreement.…”

“…Nguyen [23] developed finite element (FE) models to verify mechanical test results under out-of-plane compression and got good agreement. Bogetti [24] developed FE models and applied a surface-based traction-separation contact condition to simulate the nonlinear and unloading material behavior measured by digital image correlation (DIC). Lässig [14] developed an FE model for simulating a panel with AD (areal density) = 15 kg/m 2 impacted by a 6-mm-diameter aluminum sphere at a velocity of 3532 m/s.…”

Experimental and simulated investigation of temperature distribution of UHMWPE laminated composites during hot pressing process

“…In addition to resisting penetration, body armor and bulletproof helmet must also be able to resist extensive back deformation to prevent behind blunt trauma. Recently, numerous experimental and simulated investigations have been carried out on ballistic performance of UHMWPE composites during high‐rate ballistic impact . There are many factors to influence the ballistic performance and complex failure mechanisms in UHMWPE composites .…”

“…Recently, numerous experimental and simulated investigations have been carried out on ballistic performance of UHMWPE composites during high-rate ballistic impact. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] There are many factors to influence the ballistic performance and complex failure mechanisms in UHMWPE composites. 4 The ballistic efficiency of the materials has been largely attributable to the fiber properties.…”