Modeling Ballistic Response of Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)

Abstract

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports (0704-0188), 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY)July 2016 ARL-TR-7723 SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR'S ACRONYM(S) SPONSOR/MONITOR'S REPORT NUMBER(S) DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENTApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES ABSTRACTThis report presents a numerical model that captures various aspects of ballistic behavior of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, such as ballistic limit V50, back-face deformation (BFD) profile, remaining thickness of intact material, and interior delamination. The roles of fiber tension/shear and crush failure were investigated using a finite element model. Delamination due to matrix material failure at the interface between adjacent layers was investigated using a tiebreak contact algorithm. Parametric analyses were carried out to identify sensitive parameters that affected the material response to ballistic loading conditions. The results suggest that better helmet material needs to have higher interlaminar tensile strength, transverse Young's modulus, and crush strength and smaller transverse shear modulus and damage softening parameters. The parametric study also indicated that higher in-plane shear modulus resulted in lower V50 and lower BFD. A set of material parameters was identified that best fit the V50, BFD profile, remaining thickness of intact composites, and delamination failure observed in the experiments. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. SUBJECT TERMSiii