Perforation of carbon fiber reinforced plastic laminates struck transversely by hemispherical-nosed projectiles

Abstract

This study focuses on perforation of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminates struck transversely by hemispherical-nosed projectiles. Global deformation with local rupture failures for thin laminates and localized response failures for thick laminates are two common categories of the ballistic perforation of CFRP laminates. An analytical model is proposed considering these two failure modes and their transition conditions. The ballistic limit predicted for laminates in global deformation with a local rupture failure mode is given based on the energy dissipation method, and an ultimate perforation failure criterion is derived based on the bottom surface tensile fracture of the laminate. A critical transition condition of the two failure modes is obtained by combing the localized response failure model and Von Karman’s critical impact velocity concept. Model predictions agree with the experimental and numerical results regarding ballistic limits in a wide ratio range of laminate thickness H and hemispherical-nosed projectile diameter d.