Numerical Study on the Effect of Z-Warps on the Ballistic Responses of Para-Aramid 3D Angle-Interlock Fabrics

Abstract

In order to achieve an efficient ballistic protection at a low weight, it is necessary to deeply explore the energy absorption mechanisms of ballistic fabric structures. In this paper, finite element (FE) yarn-level models of the designed three-dimensional (3D) angle-interlock (AI) woven fabrics and the laminated two-dimensional (2D) plain fabrics are established. The ballistic impact responses of fabric panels with and without the interlocking Z-warp yarns during the projectile penetration are evaluated in terms of their energy absorption, deformation, and stress distribution. The Z-warps in the 3D fabrics bind different layers of wefts together and provide the panel with structural support along through-the-thickness direction. The results show that the specific energy absorption (SEA) of 3D fabrics is up to 88.1% higher than that of the 2D fabrics. The 3D fabrics has a wider range of in-plane stress dispersion, which demonstrates its structural advantages in dispersing impact stress and getting more secondary yarns involved in energy absorption. However, there is a serious local stress concentration in 2D plain woven fabrics near the impact location. The absence of Z-warps between the layers of 2D laminated fabrics leads to a premature layer by layer failure. The findings are indicative for the future design of ballistic amors.

Research on Bending Performance of Three-Dimensional Deep Angle Interlock Kevlar/EP Armor Material

“…For 3D angle-interlock structural materials, the current research on bulletproof ability mainly focuses on the fabric level, as illustrated in the following studies. Yang et al [ 15 ] conducted a finite element simulation of the ballistic performance of 3D angle-interlock fabrics and 2D plain laminated fabrics, and found that the 3D angle-interlock fabric ratio capacity absorbs higher than the 2D plain laminated fabric; they also found that 3D fabrics have better surface diffusion capacity. Wei et al [ 16 ] conducted ballistic impact experiments on 3D deep-angle-interlock fabrics, which revealed the impact damage evolution, energy absorption mechanism, and stress wave distribution of 3D deep-angle-interlock fabrics.…”

Failure Investigation of Layered LFT SB1plus Package after Ballistic Tests for Level IIA

“…Even if, nowadays, many models and simulations have been reported, from micro [14,15], meso [13,16], to macro [17,18] scales, the tests remain the ultimate and restrictive step in adopting a certain type of individual armor, generally based on aramid fabrics.…”

“…Recent reviews on ballistic protection [ 10 , 11 ] point out interesting comments on failure mechanisms and very particular solutions in combining different materials for facing very different threats. Research has involved aramid fibers with different architectures, from simple or treated woven fabrics [ 12 ] to 3D fabrics [ 13 ] and unidirectional or multiaxial non-crimp fabrics, each solution being simulated with particular model conditions and tested for a specific threat, the conclusion of the documentation conducted by the authors being that each solution has to be experimentally investigated and the failure mechanisms understood in order to offer a design with very strong statistical reliability before use in combat.…”

Failure Investigation of Layered LFT SB1Plus Package after Ballistic Tests for Level IIA

“…Recent reviews on ballistic protection [10,11], point out interesting comments on failure mechanisms and very particular solutions in combining different materials for facing very different threats. Research have been involving aramid fibers with different architectures, from simple or treated woven fabrics [12], to 3D fabrics [13] and unidirectional or multiaxial non-crimp fabrics, each solution being simulated with particular model conditions and tested for a specific threat, the conclusion of the documentation done by the authors being that each solution has to be experimentally investigated and the failure mechanisms to be understood in order to offer a design with very strong statistical reliability before using in the combat.…”

“…Even if nowadays, there were reported many models and simulations, from micro [14,15], meso [13,16], [ to macro [17,18] scales, the tests remain the ultimate and restrictive step in adopting a certain type of individual armor, generally based on aramid fabrics.…”