Research on the anti-penetration behavior and failure mode analysis of different ceramics

Abstract

The principal objective of this study is to investigate the anti-penetration performance of ceramic composite armor and to explore the impact of ceramic structural and performance parameters on this ability. We conducted both experimental and numerical simulations on four types of ceramics widely used in this field—B4C, SiC, Si3N4, and Al2O3, using them as the faceplate, and Kevlar fiber board as the backing, to ascertain the influence of the ceramic's structure and performance parameters on its anti-penetration properties. Given the context where Kevlar fiber serves as the backing, an extensive damage analysis was carried out from both macro and micro perspectives, focusing on the projectile-ceramic-fiber interplay. We deployed the LS-Dyna finite element software to simulate the penetration behavior of these ceramics, and a high level of agreement was observed with experimental results, thus validating the relevance of the parameters used. The results indicate that the principal failure modes of the projectile core and ceramics include tensile shear and compressive shear, leading to fractures. The backing's main failure mode consists of tensile fracture and shear fracture. As the hardness of the ceramics increases, there is a slight decrease in their anti-penetration performance, suggesting that this performance may not be significantly related to hardness as a single variable. Conversely, an increase in fracture toughness and a decrease in brittleness can lead to enhanced anti-penetration performance. Utilizing numerical simulations, an assortment of the four ceramics was tested. When the harder ceramics are placed at the forefront and those with higher toughness at the rear, the energy absorption per unit area increases to a certain extent. Following a comparative analysis of different ceramic combinations, when B4C is combined with SiC, Al2O3, and Si3N4, placing B4C in the front layer increased energy absorption efficiency per unit area by 28.27%, 7.78%, and 18.96% respectively, compared to when it was placed at the back. Furthermore, the combinations of Al2O3 with Si3N4 and SiC respectively resulted in an enhanced energy absorption capability per unit area by 5.96% and 1.72%. A dual-layer ceramic structure with high hardness and high fracture toughness can significantly improve the anti-penetration efficiency of the composite armor.