Structural analysis of cylindrical composite structures for high velocity applications: A parametric optimization study

Abstract

This research explores the significance of structural modifications on the energy absorption and ballistic response of a cylindrical composite structure exposed to high velocity impact. The composite structure comprises an aramid honeycomb core supported by cylindrically shaped aluminum facesheets on both sides. Ballistic impact tests were performed by firing cylindrical projectiles, namely conical and hemispherical, using a pneumatic gun. Three-dimensional models of the composite structure with aluminum facesheets and an aramid honeycomb core were created using ABAQUS/Explicit. By utilizing numerical models, impact phenomena such as facesheet failure, core crushing, facesheet debonding, etc. were analyzed, which showed a high degree of similarity with a real impact scenario, thus validating the model. Furthermore, a parametric analysis was carried out using this model on different parameters affecting the composite structure. The study also examined the effect of these parameters on the ballistic responses of the cylindrical composite structure against both projectiles using a grey-based Taguchi analysis method. The investigation focused on multi-response optimization of the cylindrical composite structure's characteristics using Minitab software. The proposed grey-based Taguchi method proved effective in solving multi-response problems.