Mechanical performance and failure analysis of a fabric subjected to ballistic impact using multi-scale numerical modelling

Abstract

In this paper, multi-scale numerical modelling analysis is proposed to study the ballistic responses of a Kevlar KM2 woven fabric. Three meso-microscopic multi-scale numerical models are conducted by varying the number of microscopic primary yarns in the impact zone from 2 to 10. In each model, we analyse the evolution of the contact force, the projectile velocity and the fabric energies. An analysis of the failure modes of each configuration is also performed. Results of the three multi-scale models and a mesoscopic model are compared in order to find the optimal number of microscopic primary yarns to predict the fabric’s ballistic behaviour. It is highlighted that the multi-scale model consumes a reasonable computation cost. Furthermore, with the primary yarns modelled in the fibre scale, this model can fully describe the complex physical phenomena, such as fibre failure and the interaction between fibres, fibres and yarns, that occur during the impact.