Abstract
In order to achieve an efficient ballistic protection at a low weight, it is necessary to deeply explore the energy absorption mechanisms of ballistic fabric structures. In this paper, finite element (FE) yarn-level models of the designed three-dimensional (3D) angle-interlock (AI) woven fabrics and the laminated two-dimensional (2D) plain fabrics are established. The ballistic impact responses of fabric panels with and without the interlocking Z-warp yarns during the projectile penetration are evaluated in terms of their energy absorption, deformation, and stress distribution. The Z-warps in the 3D fabrics bind different layers of wefts together and provide the panel with structural support along through-the-thickness direction. The results show that the specific energy absorption (SEA) of 3D fabrics is up to 88.1% higher than that of the 2D fabrics. The 3D fabrics has a wider range of in-plane stress dispersion, which demonstrates its structural advantages in dispersing impact stress and getting more secondary yarns involved in energy absorption. However, there is a serious local stress concentration in 2D plain woven fabrics near the impact location. The absence of Z-warps between the layers of 2D laminated fabrics leads to a premature layer by layer failure. The findings are indicative for the future design of ballistic amors.
Highlights
Materials such as para-aramid, ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE), carbon and glass fibers possess high strength and modulus, as well as excellent chemical stability, which can well meet the requirements of light-weight and high performance for ballistic applications [1,2]
The results showed that the yarn crimp is a key factor affecting stress wave propagation, and fabrics with small yarn crimp is beneficial to the stress wave propagation
The fabric will absorb and dissipate the impact kinetic energy carried by the impact projectile in the form of vibration, deformation or breakage, and friction
Summary
Materials such as para-aramid, ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE), carbon and glass fibers possess high strength and modulus, as well as excellent chemical stability, which can well meet the requirements of light-weight and high performance for ballistic applications [1,2]. The ballistic responses and impact energy absorption mechanisms of the fabrics can be further studied with the help of finite element (FE) modeling [12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19]. Kedzierski et al [19] studied the blunt trauma resistance of UD laminates, 2D plain fabrics and 3D multiaxial fabrics under low-velocity impacts by experimental and numerical methods. Having the potentials in reinforcing protective equipment with complex shapes and the enhanced through-the-thickness properties, it is useful to evaluate the ballistic performance of 3D angle-interlock fabrics in comparison with the commonly used 2D plain weave fabrics. The yarn-level FE models were established in this study to analyze the structural responses of the yarns in 3D angle-interlock fabric and 2D plain weave fabric laminated. The results will provide theoretical guidance for the design of ballistic protective fabric and composite panels
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