Fiber inclination model for the anti-penetration performance of a new type three-dimensional angle-interlock woven composite

Abstract

This study establishes a fiber inclination model suitable for a new three-dimensional angle interlocking woven UHMWPEF/epoxy composite, and evaluates its anti-penetration performance. Specifically, the microstructural characteristics of the composite material were analyzed by CT scan images, the mesostructure model of the material was established with the help of the software TexGen, and the calculation method of the fiber volume fraction of the material was designed. The meta-software ANSYS/LS-DYNA simulated and analyzed the failure mode and stress after ballistic penetration, before verifying it with the ballistic penetration test of the composite material as the target. The results show that the fiber volume fraction of the material is calculated to be 49.5% according to the derivation formula, which is consistent with that measured in the laboratory (50%±1%). By simplifying the numerical simulation model of composite ballistic penetration with the “fiber inclination model,” the residual velocity of the projectile calculated is in good agreement with the experimental value with an error of <7%. In the target penetration test, the damage patterns of the target surface and the ejection surface are similar to the numerical simulation results. In the fiber inclination model, the failure shape of the projectile penetrating the horizontal one-way plate is almost circular, while the failure shape in the inclined one-way plate is irregular with a more severe damage along the inclined direction. In both unidirectional plates the damage area of the incoming surface is smaller than that of the ejected surface. Therefore, it is valid to use the fiber inclination model established to study the penetration performance of composite materials.