16 - Numerical analysis of the ballistic performance of textile fabrics

Abstract

This chapter deals with the study of ballistic impact in the case of 2D and 3D fabrics using numerical approaches to improve the body armor protection. Two numerical models were used: macroscopic and mesoscopic models. Indeed, the macroscopic model, which considers 2D fabric as a homogeneous plate, allows a summary prediction of various impact parameters as residual velocity, impact energies, and deformation pyramid. To better describe interactions between yarns in a 2D fabric, a mesoscopic model was developed using 3D shell elements. Comparisons between results obtained by both models and experimental data have demonstrated the modeling robustness at the mesoscopic scale since yarn–yarn and projectile–yarn contacts can be analyzed. Furthermore, to optimize computation time, a combination of mesoscopic and macroscopic models has allowed creating a multiscale model distinguishing between different working areas of fabric during impact. A new numerical tool has been developed to model geometrically 3D fabrics taking into account a yarn's cross section. This model allows studying the mechanical behavior of a 3D fabric subjected to ballistic impact.