Abstract
The effect of the layer sequence on the ballistic performance of Ti6Al4V (35 mm)/CP-Ti (5 mm) laminated composite armor, against a 12.7 mm armor piercing projectile, was systematically investigated, both experimentally and computationally. By introducing the Johnson–Cook constitutive model and fracture criterion, the penetrating process of the composite plate was well-simulated. Furthermore, the influence of the layer sequence on the ballistic performance and failure mechanism of the composite plate was evaluated from the perspective of energy absorption and the stress distribution. Numerical simulation results of the macro morphology and penetration depth agreed well with the experimental results. The results showed that the energy absorption histories of each layer and stress distribution of the composite plate were found to be significantly affected by the arrangement sequence. The ballistic performance of Ti6Al4V/CP-Ti was far superior to that of CP-Ti/Ti6Al4V because more energy was absorbed in the early stage of the penetration process, thereby reducing the damage to the rear face. Further studies showed that the first principal stress in both structures was radially distributed in space, but was mainly concentrated at the rear face when the CP-Ti was placed at the front. Therefore, this stress induced cracking and failure in that region and, consequently, lowered the overall ballistic performance.
Highlights
With the ongoing threat of warheads, the ballistic resistance of monolithic plates has become increasingly unable to resist these threats [1]
The results revealed that the front layer of high hardness titanium could shatter both 7.62 and 12.7 mm armor piercing (AP) projectiles, and cracking or delamination can be avoided via using appropriate producing processes
Ti6Al4V and 5 mm CP-Ti had the best ballistic performance and a lower weight compared to other titanium laminated structures against a 12.7 mm armor piercing incendiary (API) projectile
Summary
With the ongoing threat of warheads, the ballistic resistance of monolithic plates has become increasingly unable to resist these threats [1]. Laminated composite armor consisting of the same or different materials has aroused the interest of researchers, due to its excellent overall performance. These armors combine the mechanical properties of each layer and structural effects, thereby delivering optimal ballistic performances and representing a suitable alternative to monolithic metallic plates. Wang [14] and Zhou [1] investigated laminate plates consisting of steel and aluminum by a ballistic experiment and simulation. They found that the ballistic performance is closely related to the thickness ratio of steel and aluminum. Li et al [15] conducted several ballistic impact tests on a 7A52/7B52 aluminum laminate plate, and found that the failure modes of the layers were significantly different
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