Experimental study of energy absorption in 3D-textile reinforced polymer composites under high-velocity impact loading

Abstract

In this paper, the energy absorption capacity of polymer composites reinforced with Kevlar fibers and various textile structures under high-velocity impact loading was investigated. Noobing textile, woven laminate, and stitched laminate were used as composite reinforcements. Fiber density and structural thickness were also examined in impact performance. The impact test was performed using a gas gun at a speed of 235 m/s. The impact performance of composite samples was evaluated by comparing residual velocity, ballistic limit, and impact energy absorption. To analyze the damage caused by the impact, all specimens were inspected using CT scan images. It was found that the presence of reinforcing fibers in the thickness direction can significantly improve energy absorption. In thicker composites, impact indentation was observed and the projectile could not penetrate the structure. The indentation depth of the Noobing composite was less than the stitched laminate. Increased fiber density in all three composite configurations showed an increase in energy absorption capacity and a decrease in residual impact velocity.