Synergistic effect of hybrid ballistic soft armour panels

Abstract

This study aims to identify synergistic effect of hybrid ballistic soft armour panel. According to Finite Element Simulation results and ballistic test results, a front sensitive region was identified including front one or two layers in an Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Uni-directional (UHMWPE UD) panel. These front layers displayed lower energy absorption due to thermal damage and high compressive stress concentration. While back layers possessed higher energy absorption due to significant tensile failure. When different materials were placed in the front sensitive region (such as UD laminates, woven fabric and non-woven felt), ballistic responses of whole panels was influenced including transverse deflection during impact, failure modes and ballistic energy absorption. Only when the proper materials were placed in the front sensitive region, synergistic hybrid effect can be displayed with improvement of energy absorption of the hybrid panel for a given areal weight.