Comparative study on ballistic impact response of neat fabric, compliant, hybrid compliant and stiff composite

Abstract

The present study deals with the experimental approach of finding the ballistic limit of neat jute fabric along with its compliant composite, compliant hybrid composite with and without interleaved natural rubber (NR) sheets and stiff jute epoxy (JE) composite. Mechanism governing the damage in the proposed targets are studied. Ballistic impact tests were carried out by firing a conical projectile using a gas gun apparatus at lower range of ballistic impact regime. The ballistic impact response of the neat jute fabrics along with proposed compliant composites are assessed based on energy absorption and damage mechanism. Results revealed that the complaint hybrid composites exhibit enhanced ballistic response compared to neat jute fabrics, compliant and stiff composites. Inclusion of NR aids affects the ballistic performance of the composite significantly by keeping the composite flexibility. Rubber does not restrict the yarns through which the whole fabric resists against projectile energy. This behavior is contrary to the epoxy matrix, in which only a few yarns in impact zone resist. This difference significantly changes the ballistic performance of stiff composite and compliant hybrid composite. The damage study reveals the various mechanisms responsible for failure in neat fabrics, compliant composites, compliant hybrid composites and stiff composites. Compliant hybrid composites fail due to matrix tearing as opposed to matrix cracking in stiff JE composites indicating that the proposed complaint composites are free from catastrophic failure. Thus, the proposed compliant hybrid composites are best suited for ballistic applications.