Ballistic Performance Research Articles

Ballistic Performance of Polycarbonate Plate Subjected to Truncated Cone Projectile

In the present study, a quasi-static compression test and impact test are carried out on a Polycarbonate plate with thickness of 2.66 mm and an effective diameter of 205 mm. The impact test is carried out on a pneumatic gun using a hardened truncated cone projectile of mass 25.8 g at different velocities. On the other hand, a servo mechanical universal testing machine with a 50 kN capacity is used to carry out the quasi-static compression test at a speed of 2 mm/min adopting an indenter of truncated nose shape. The Dynamic Enhancement Factor, or DEF, is computed as the ratio of quasi-static perforation energy to impact perforation energy. The measured DEF in the present study is compared with previously published results for metal and polycarbonate. Also local deformation of the plate after perforation is compared for both quasi-static test and dynamic test.

Optimization of high performance hybrid composite under ballistic test and performance of the hybrid composite under IED blast

Abstract In this investigation a novel material has been developed comprising of Silicon Carbide (ceramic), Aluminium honeycomb (metal) and Poly Ether Ketone (PEK)—Poly Phynelene Benzobisoxaole (PBO) fiber based blast proof composite. The experimental results proved that this polymeric composite is highly suitable for 9 mm pistol bullet with 430 m s−1 at distance of 5 m as well as for improvised explosive devices blast to absorb the sharpnels/splinters. This investigation also highlights an efficient back layer for a blast-proof sandwich composite. Layer optimization was carried out by finite element method (FEM) analysis of blast effect on the multi-layer polymer composite panel by ANSYS Explicit Dynamics (LS DYNA Solver). The resultant optimal layers of PEK-PBO composites then tested to validate results of FEM analysis. Experimentally it is proved that polymeric composite with 10 layers of PBO fabric when test fired under 9 mm pistol bullet with 430 m s–1 at distance of 5 m, the bullet penetrates, however, when the polymeric composite is made with a total of 20 layers of PEK-PBO fabric, all the test fired bullets are stopped. Therefore, under SNANAG 4569 blast test, the polymeric composite was essentially made with 20 layers of PBO fabric and it is experimentally proved that PEK-PBO composite is highly efficient as the back layer of hybrid composite and all the sharpnels of IED blast are completely absorbed.

Ballistic characteristics of ceramic core sandwich structures

The ceramic core sandwich structure (CCSS) is a lightweight material with advantages of high anti-ballistic impact performance, high energy absorption and high specific strength. The ballistic performances of the CCSS with metal face plates hit vertically by projectiles with the nose shapes of conical, flat, and hemispherical are studied analytically and numerically in this paper. Based on the principle of energy conservation, an analytical model of ballistic characteristics of the sandwich ceramic core structure is developed. Numerical calculations are conducted, and the numerical model has been verified by experimental results from references by others. In addition, the analytical results agree well with finite element results. The effects of shape of projectile head, the thickness ratio of three plates of CCSS, and the ratio of shear strength of ceramic core to yield strength of metal face plates on the ballistic characteristics of the CCSS are discussed. It is shown that the conical-nosed projectile achieved the highest ballistic limit velocity (BLV) and the sharper nose increases the normal stress at the impact area thereby enhancing the BLV. The thickness of the ceramic core significantly influences the resistance of the CCSS and the thicker ceramic core enhances the ability of CCSS to absorb kinetic energy from the projectile. Furthermore, an appropriate increase in the yield strength of face plates can enhance the anti-ballistic impact performance of the CCSS. These insights have practical implications for the design of protective systems in military and civilian applications, where optimizing materials for impact resistance is crucial.

An Attempt to Predict Transparent Armor Ballistic Performance through Quasi-Static Punch Shear Test

Abstract Background Transparent armor systems are traditionally designed following a trial-and-error approach, which involves high development costs associated with ballistic testing. This research article presents a novel methodology, termed quasi-static multi-punch shear testing, within the domain of transparent armor systems. Objective The primary aim is to establish a correlation between multi-hit ballistic tests at Level III-A according to the NIJ 0108.01 standard, achieved through an adaptation of the single-shot ballistic limit methodology, and the quasi-static multi-punch shear testing. The objective is to utilize a simple experimental methodology that provides insights into the multi-hit ballistic behavior of transparent armors. Methods Parameters such as absorbed energy and observed damage mechanisms were utilized to assess the potential relationship between these tests. Transparent armor samples that underwent testing using the quasi-static multi-punch shear test were subsequently cross-sectioned using a water jet cutting machine to facilitate visualization of material damage. In addition, drawing on insights from quasi-static multi-punch shear testing results, the K-means clustering algorithm was employed to predict the likelihood of a specific transparent armor system passing a multi-hit ballistic test. Results Various damage mechanisms were observed as a function of the punch displacement, and correlations were made with the load–displacement curves. Furthermore, the implementation of the K-means clustering algorithm successfully classified transparent armor into two groups: those that passed the ballistic test and those that did not. Conclusions This research significantly advances understanding of transparent armor system behavior under multi-hit conditions and offers a promising predictive tool for evaluating their performance through straightforward and cost-effective experimentation.

Anti-ballistic properties of hybrid UHMWPE fiber-reinforced composite armour

The ballistic performance of three hybrid composite plates, including ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), UHMWPE/Aramid, and UHMWPE/CFRP with similar surface density, was studied in the paper. These plates were tested under the impact of 7.62×25 mm full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets, with the dynamic back deformation (BFD) captured using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technology. The effects of material combinations and striking faces on the dynamic response were discussed. The deformation and penetration mechanisms were analyzed using optical microscopy and micro-CT tomography. The results indicated that the UHMWPE/CFRP plate exhibited the lowest BFD, followed by UHMWPE and the UHMWPE/Aramid plate. When UHMWPE severed as the striking face, the fibers underwent through-thickness compression, which transitioned to in-plane tension and led to an elongated fracture of yarns. Similarly, Aramid fibers also experienced tensile fractures under similar conditions. In contrast, carbon fibers had brittle shear fractures when CFRP was the striking face. Additionally, the “V-shaped” cone traveling hinge velocity was calculated using DIC results, and the effects of the plate bending stiffness and wave impedance on protective performance were discussed. The findings emphasize the importance of an optimal material configuration to mitigate the propagation of compressive waves in the thickness direction and enhance bending stiffness, which is crucial for improving protection within ballistic limits.

Influence of projectile shape on ballistic behavior of 3D shallow straight-joint woven fabrics

This study investigates the influence of projectile shape on the ballistic behavior of 3D shallow straight-joint woven fabrics (3DSSWFs). Utilizing a series of numerical simulations, we analyze the impact resistance and energy absorption capabilities of 3DSSWFs when subjected to projectiles of varying geometries. The projectile setup includes spherical, conical, flat, and hemispherical projectiles to comprehensively assess their effects on fabric deformation, damage mechanisms, and overall ballistic performance. Results indicate that projectile shape significantly affects the penetration resistance and failure modes of 3DSSWFs. Spherical projectiles tend to cause extensive delamination and localized fabric failure, whereas conical and flat projectiles exhibit different interaction dynamics, influencing the energy dissipation patterns within the fabric matrix. The findings of this study provide critical insights into the complex relationships between projectile geometry and fabric response in 3DSSWFs. By elucidating the role of projectile shape in determining the ballistic limit, energy absorption capacity, and failure mechanisms, this research contributes to the broader understanding of impact dynamics in advanced textile structures.

High-Velocity Impact Performance of Ballistic Fabric Using Core-Spun Compound Yarns

In this paper, the usage of core-spun compound yarns in ballistic fabric to improve ballistic performance is considered, as with the use of core-spun compound yarns, the yarn friction inside the fabric is enhanced, and, therefore, the energy absorption capability of the fabric is expected to increase. Three types of fabric were developed and compared. Fa refers to a woven type made with 100% Kevlar® filament yarns. Fb was woven with core-spun compound aramid yarns, which were made of Kevlar® filament yarns spun with staple aramid fiber. Fc was woven with core-spun compound polyester yarns, which were made of Kevlar® filament yarns spun with staple polyester fiber. There were two main purposes for comparing these types. The first was to confirm if the ballistic performance could be improved with the usage of core-spun compound yarns instead of pure filament yarns. The second was to investigate if different compositions of spun fiber would influence ballistic performance. The research results are positive and quite interesting. They show that the usage of core-spun compound yarn could indeed help to increase ballistic performance and that core-spun compound aramid yarns are better than core-spun compound polyester yarns in this function. The research was carried out using both ballistic tests and FEA models.

Multidisciplinary space shield origami composite: Incorporating cosmic radiation shielding, space debris impact protection, solar radiative heat shielding, and atomic oxygen erosion resistance

Origami composites have been extensively utilized in space structures with constrained payload volumes due to their capability to efficiently transform compact structures into larger surface area or volume configurations. The proposed origami composite incorporates hydrogen-rich benzoxazine polymers known for their high radiation shielding capability and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibers known for their high ballistic performance, radiation shielding capability, and flexibility. The proposed origami composite and manufacturing method can enhance bonding strength by achieving precise origami shapes and utilizing the same matrix for both flexible and rigid components. Membrane sheets are manufactured at a low curing temperature to provide flexibility, while rigid facets are separately manufactured at a high curing temperature to increase rigidity. The integration of a polyimide protection layer significantly enhances space environment resistance and reduces mass loss due to atomic oxygen erosion. Despite a slight decrease in ballistic performance after exposure to space conditions, the proposed origami composite maintains superior ballistic performance compared to conventional space materials and conventional origami composites. Compared to existing origami composites or conventional space materials, the proposed origami composite exhibited superior radiation shielding performance. The laminated structure of the proposed origami composite can offer some solar radiation shielding capability. The proposed origami composite offers a multifunctional origami solution as a membrane-space shield material, fulfilling requirements for high ballistic performance, cosmic radiation shielding, solar radiative heat shielding, and space environmental resistance.

Ballistic Performance of Thermoplastic Fiber-Reinforced Metal Laminates Subjected to Impact Loadings

Ballistic Performance of Thermoplastic Fiber-Reinforced Metal Laminates Subjected to Impact Loadings

The superior ballistic performance of highly stretchable and flexible double-face knitted fabrics (DFKF): An experimental investigation

When the protective and protected systems are detached, the former can be allowed to absorb the kinetic energy of the impacting projectile through large deformation without considering the back face signature of the latter. This paper presents a novel double-face knitted fabric (DFKF) designed for this very impacting scenario. Shooting tests equipped with high-speed camera were used to characterize the ballistic performance with the impact velocities ranging from 100∼450 m/s. The results showed that the ballistic limits (Vbl) of DFKF are approximately triple and double that of its counterpart UD and plain fabrics, respectively. For mass-normalized metrics, the specific energy absorption (SEA) is 250% and 350% greater than the UD and plain fabrics at their corresponding Vbls. The quasi-static tests showed that the DFKF displayed greater resilience, crease recovery properties, and flexibility, which also made it an especially better candidate than UD and plain weaves for the design of umbrella surface cloth. It was also found that DFKF is dependent on yarn count and the incorporation of spandex. A prototype anti-ballistic umbrella is manufactured using DFKF made of 200D multi-filament yarn. The ballistic performance is also sensitive to the impact site when the umbrella is subjected to impact.

Research on high-velocity ballistic impact of para-aramid sateen fabric with ZnO nanorods oriented to the development of soft body armor

This study introduces an innovative approach of utilizing ZnO nanorod growing technology to the sateen fabric in order to improve its ballistic performance. Through SEM, FTIR, XRD and XPS analyses, ZnO nanorods with majority length of 1000–1500 nm and fineness of 200–600 nm have been deposited on the surface of sateen fabric surface Compared the fabric with ZnO nanorods (S-11-Nrs) with its neat counterpart, the mechanical properties of S-11-Nrs are increased, especially the inter-filament friction and fabric tensile breaking strength. However, in the impact process, the number of filaments involved in the impact is reduced and the filaments are mainly failure by the shear action of the bullets. Due to these positive and negative effects, the energy absorption of S-11-Nrs displays inferior ballistic energy absorption. Nevertheless, at lower areal density, in the non-perforation test, S-11-Nrs presents less BFS and shows better resistance to the consecutive shotting process compared with the neat fabric. The reason is that the increase of inter-filament friction limits the movement of filaments and thus results in less BFS. In addition, the flexibility, air permeability and moisture permeability are still kept. This research offers valuable insights for the design and development of comfortable soft body armor.

Ballistic performance of alumina/carbon fiber/aramid composite against impact of different projectile shapes

This study explores the ballistic performance of an alumina/carbon fibre/KevlarⓇ aramid composite panel against impacts from various projectile shapes, including ogive, conical, cylindrical, hemispherical, and 5.56 mm × 45 mm NATO rounds. The aim is to analyse the influence of projectile nose shape on penetration resistance and energy absorption, critical for defence and aerospace applications. Numerical simulations carried out in LS-DYNAⓇ, validated by experimental data, reveal that the ceramic layer effectively initiates projectile deceleration, while the fabric layers absorb the majority of the kinetic energy. Hemispherical projectiles exhibit minimal plastic deformation, highlighting the composite's optimal performance against this shape. In contrast, ogive projectiles demonstrate greater penetrative potential, challenging the composite's multi-layered defence. The study finds that approximately 90% of the kinetic energy is absorbed by the fabric backing, with a small portion absorbed through projectile deformation and ceramic cracking. These results underscore the importance of considering projectile deformation in simulations and suggest that the composite design is well-suited for enhancing protection against high-velocity impacts in defence and aerospace sectors.

Experimental and numerical study on ballistic impact behavior of explosively-welded double-layered Weldox700E targets against ogival-nosed projectiles

In this work, explosive welding technique was used to fabricate 2 mm + 2 mm thick double layered Weldox700E steel targets. The bonding interface exhibited wave-shaped patterns without obvious micro-defects, grain refinement and grain elongation were observed. With specially designed shear specimen and tensile specimen, Ultimate stresses of the bonding interface under shear and tensile loadings were measured to be 526 MPa and 683 MPa, respectively. Ballistic impact tests against ogival-nosed projectiles were conducted on both explosively welded double-layered targets and double-layered contact targets. Ballistic limit velocities of the two target configurations were respectively 225.32 m/s and 203.98 m/s , with the former being 10.5 % higher than the latter. For both target configurations, localized bulging and petal-shaped cracking were observed; specially, welded bonding interface remains well bonded even after perforation of the projectile. Combining experimental results and numerical simulations, it was found that the explosively welded double-layered targets exhibited better ballistic performance than double-layered contact ones. The good welded bonding interface provides a better overall deformation capability for the explosively welded double-layered target, which is an important reason for the improved ballistic performance of the target. Although hardness tests show that there is a significant hardened layer in the explosively welded double-layered target, and the hardness value can reach up to 409.4 HV. However, the thin hardened layer cannot significantly improve the ballistic performance of the explosively welded double-layered target in the high-speed impact process of the projectile.

Numerical Study of Ballistic Performance in Level III SiC Ceramic Multilayered UHMWPE Ballistic Plates

This study investigates the ballistic resistance of composite plates composed of a silicon carbide (SiC) strike face and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) layers against 7.62 mm NATO caliber projectiles using Ansys Explicit Dynamics. Five ballistic plate samples were numerically modeled, featuring 40 to 60 UHMWPE layers and a 4 mm SiC strike face. The simulation assessed the plates' response, including backface signature, bullet penetration depth, absorbed kinetic energy, and deformation mechanisms. The findings revealed that increasing the UHMWPE thickness reduces both the backface signature and bullet penetration depth. Plates with 50 to 60 layers of UHMWPE met level III NIJ standards, demonstrating lower backface signatures and bullet penetration compared to those with 40 or 45 layers. Thicker UHMWPE layers were associated with reduced deformation, with the plate featuring 60 layers of UHMWPE and an overall thickness of 25 mm emerging as the optimal configuration for level III ballistic protection.

Hydrogen susceptibility of Al 5083 under ultra-high strain rate ballistic loading

Abstract The effect of hydrogen on the ballistic performance of aluminum (Al) 5083H131 was examined both experimentally and numerically in this study. Ballistics tests were conducted at a 30° obliquity in accordance with the ballistic test standard MIL-DTL-46027 K. The strike velocities of projectiles were ranged from 240 m s−1 to 500 m s−1 level in the room temperature. Electrochemical hydrogen charging method was utilized to introduce hydrogen into material. Chemical composition of material was analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Instant camera pictures were captured using high-speed camera to compare H-uncharged and H-charged specimen ballistics tests. The volume loss in partially penetrated specimens were assessed using the 3D laser scanning method. Microstructural examinations were conducted utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was observed that with the increased deformation rate, the dominance of the HEDE mechanism over HELP became evident. Furthermore, the experimental findings were corroborated through numerical methods employing finite element analysis (FEM) along with the Johnson–Cook plasticity model and failure criteria. Inverse optimization technique was employed to implement and fine-tune the Johnson–Cook parameters for H-charged conditions. Upon comparing the experimental and numerical outcomes, a high degree of consistency was observed, indicating the effective performance of the model.

Manipulation of mechanical properties and ballistic performance by armor-grade composite processing

For the armor-grade composite, the resin bonding force cannot be too high or too low in order to achieve maximum utilization of high-performance fibers to ballistic impact. This study aims to identify the influence of the resin bonding of armor-grade composite on mechanical properties and ballistic performance. The varied resin bonding force of the panel was manipulated by the composite processing. After resin coating and curing, yarn mobility in fabric was almost fully constrained with 90% reduction, which was benefit for minimizing Backface Signature (BFS) of armor-grade composite. Tensile strength was improved 12.45% for the prepreg (FP/R 15) and 52.87% for the laminate (FL/R 15) due to better synchronous failure of filaments. However, specific energy absorption was degraded during composite processing, such as 10.74 ∼ 27.84% reduction in comparison with the neat fabric. This was because the dominant failure mode was gradually varied from tensile failure of fabric to shear failure of composite.

Experimental study on the ballistic performance of CFRP/AFB sandwich plate

Lightweight bulletproof plate is highly demanded in the field of security field. A novel plate of carbon fiber reinforced plate (CFRP)/aramid filament bundles (AFB) sandwich plate is manufactured through winding methods in this paper. The ballistic performance is evaluated and failure mechanism is explored on the designed six CFRP/AFB sandwich plates. It is found that the sandwich structure of 3-4 × 16 is the best structure by comprehensively considering the energy absorption, Coefficient of Variation(CV) and shaping difficulty, of which the v50 and the average energy absorption are 225.26 m/s and 150.60 J, respectively. In addition, for the case that the number of filaments in the first entanglement is more and the number of first entanglement in the secondary entanglement is less, the ballistic performance would be better. To the failure mechanism, the upper CFRP is damaged by shear failure and the bottom CFRP shows delamination and separation in the impact process. The filament bundle plate in the core layer is benefit in resistance to projectile impact and it fails mainly by the disintegration and bending. This novel CFRP/AFB sandwich plate is a new direction for producing ballistic proof plate.

Ballistic Performance of Raffia Fiber Fabric Reinforcing Epoxy Composites as Standalone Targets

Ballistic Performance of Raffia Fiber Fabric Reinforcing Epoxy Composites as Standalone Targets

Analyzing the back-face deformation of curved UHMWPE composite laminate under high-speed impact

Ballistic protection extensively employs curved ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) laminates to conform to protective targets. However, ballistic tests have indicated that the curvature of laminates increases back-face deformation, diminishing ballistic performance, while the mechanism behind this curvature effect on back-face deformation remains unclear. In this paper, the back-face deformation of curved UHMWPE laminates, including apex displacement and the boundary of the deformation region, are systematically studied through numerical simulation and theoretical analysis. Firstly, a numerical model of curved UHMWPE laminates under the high-speed impact is established. The numerical results indicate that as the curvature increases, the deformation region becomes more concentrated, resulting in a larger apex displacement. Secondly, as the curvature increases from zero, the deformation mode of curved laminates changes from membrane stretching dominated to a combination of membrane stretching and bending. Finally, considering the change in the deformation mode, a theoretical analysis for the propagation of bending waves in an orthotropic curved plate is conducted to reveal the relationship between curvature and back-face deformation. The theoretical analysis shows that increasing curvature slows bending wave speed, reducing in-plane deformation region movement, thus increasing apex displacement. This study is expected to help design curved UHMWPE laminates with better ballistic performance.

Influence of Using SiC and Al2O3 Ceramic Front Layer on Ballistic Performance of a Bainitic Steel: A Comparative Study

Influence of Using SiC and Al2O3 Ceramic Front Layer on Ballistic Performance of a Bainitic Steel: A Comparative Study