Simulation of Accelerated Ageing Conditions on Ballistic Resistance of Dyneema® Polyethylene Composites

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to study and analyze methods of predicting the serviceability and lifespan of ballistic armors made of a high-strength polyethylene ultra-high molecular weight (UHMWPE) fibers composites. Experimental tests were conducted on the accelerated use of composite ballistic inserts in lab to predict the durability; changes in the ballistic, physical, and mechanical properties occurring due to accelerated conditions of use. Data of following ageing simulation methods under controlled environment was used. 1-Application of mechanical load to the insert, 2-application of mechanical load and temperature cycle treatment to the product and 3-applying mechanical load, temperature cycle and immersion in liquid solution simulating human sweat to the test product. It was revealed that mechanical loading, temperature cycling, and the solution simulating human sweat incites the degradation and disintegration of the polyethylene material. To evaluate the correlation between the natural ageing process and the simulated one, ballistic insert samples were also examined under natural conditions for 5, 7, 9 and 13 years. Ansys Workbench Explicit Dynamics (R1 2020) and Solidworks (2018) were used to model and simulate the ballistic impact on standard product as well as accelerated aged samples. Experimental testing data was used in simulation and results were compared to analyze the ageing behavior of composite armor.