Mouldability analysis and impact performance of 3D aramid angle-interlock fabric panels for ballistic helmets

Abstract

Modern ballistic helmets made from textile composites offer enhanced protection with lightweight, but the discontinuity of the reinforcing materials is a potential problem affecting the helmet performance. This work uses 3D angle-interlock fabrics to provide reinforcement continuity, and evaluates 3D through-the-thickness angle-interlock (TTAI) fabrics to study the influence of fabric structural parameters on fabric mouldabilty and ballistic performance for ballistic helmet application. The mouldability was measured through experiments and modelled numerically, and the ballistic impact test was carried out to identify the optimal fabric structures for constructing ballistic helmet shells. The results show that increase in weft density of the TTAI fabrics causes decrease in the mouldability of the TTAI fabrics, and that the addition of wadding yarns into the TTAI fabrics has little influence on fabric mouldability compared to the conventional TTAI fabrics with the same weft density. However, the involvement of wadded TTAI fabrics demonstrates a 34% increase in ballistic energy absorption and 3% higher estimated ballistic limit over the conventional counterpart. Taking both mouldability and ballistic protection into account, the wadded TTAI fabric structure is an effective continuous reinforcement for ballistic helmet shells, offering required mouldability and improved ballistic performance.

Effect of angle interlocking/plain weave compound fabric system on mechanical properties of aramid epoxy resin composites

“…In addition, it was found that because the metal z-filaments can sustain higher plastic deformation than their carbon counterpart, they are less effective than carbon z-filaments at increasing fatigue resistance under both mode I and mode II loadings [20]. Meanwhile, researchers also simulated the damage form of composites with 3D structures through various analysis models to predict the mechanical properties of composites [21][22][23][24]. However, there is currently limited research on the 3D preform structure design.…”