Numerical modeling and analysis of the ballistic impact response of ceramic/composite targets and the influence of cohesive material parameters

Abstract

Hybrid ceramic/composite targets are acknowledged to provide effective impact protection against armor piercing projectiles, which is why the research on this topic is continuously developing further. In this work, a nonlinear dynamic finite element (FE) simulation method is developed to systematically explore the ballistic perforation behaviors of hybrid ceramic/woven-fabric reinforced polymer (WFRP) composite when impacted by a non-deformable projectile. The hybrid system is composed by an alumina ceramic plate forming the front surface and glass or carbon WFRP composite back-up plate. The simulations are carried out using ABAQUS/Explicit FE code, wherein three different constitutive material models are formulated and implemented. The Johnson–Holmquist and composite damage models are used for alumina and composite material behaviors, respectively. The brittle fracture and fragmentation of the ceramic plate and the failure criteria based on fracture of fibers or matrices of composite materials during perforation are considered. Besides, interlaminar delamination between composite plies as well as ceramic/composite interfacial decohesion are modeled using a cohesive surface method, and the behaviors of interlayer degradation and failure are described using a traction-separation law. The accuracy of the developed model is validated with available experimental and analytical results. What’s more, the perforation process against the projectile and the ballistic mechanism of each layer in the composite backplate and in the ceramic as well are profoundly explored. Meanwhile, the numerical simulations are used to evaluate the changes of energy of the projectile and ceramic/composite panels. The influence of key parameters, such as interface cohesive properties and friction, on the ballistic performance in terms of energy absorption capability is additionally addressed. For the preliminary and early design phase, the present dynamic model could provide an efficient approach for numerical predictions of ballistic impact responses of the hybrid ceramic/FRP composites.

A simplified formula to estimate the load history due to ballistic impacts with bullet splash. Development and validation for finite element simulation of 9x21mm full metal jacket bullets

“…The available literature mostly proposes simulation techniques for ballistic impacts focusing on the effects of rigid projectiles on deformable targets, to predict the ballistic limit velocity and the failure modes of the target. In 2021 Goda et al [4] analyzed the damage and stress field of a modern ceramic/composite protection impacted and penetrated by rigid projectiles. In 2022 the same author focused on the effects of the shape and angle of impact on the energy absorption of woven-fabric protections again impacted and penetrated by rigid projectiles [5].…”

Evaluating the Structural Response of Ceramic-Metal Laminate under Ballistic Impact

“…Furthermore, interactions between ceramics and hardened steel 4340 projectiles were examined by some researchers [2], [8]- [9]. Goda and Giradot [10] assessed the effects of ballistic impact on alumina and WFRP materials at various velocities. Grujicic et al [11] explored the role of polyurea as an adhesive layer between alumina and a polymer back plate, observing reduced stress in the adhesive and ceramic sections of the hybrid armor.…”

Coupling Characteristics of Needles and Backing Cloth During the Carpet Tufting Process

“…There are three methods to analyse the coupling characteristics of the needle and backing cloth: the theoretical analysis method, the experimental test method, and the finite element method. The finite element method has a great advantage in calculating the dynamic puncture force with high speed, as well as the stress and strain, which change over time [9][10][11][12][13]. Therefore, focusing on the needle and backing cloth on a tufting machine type DHG801D-200, the puncture processes of individual tufting needles and 1/10 needle modules in polypropylene woven and nonwoven fabrics were simulated, respectively, and the needle forces and fabric deformation were analysed.…”