Combination Of Experimental Tests Research Articles

Bio-inspired 3D printing of strain-hardening cementitious composites reticulated shell roofs

Inspired by the diving bell structure of the water spider, this study presents an innovative 3D printed strain-hardening cementitious composite (3DP-SHCC) reticulated shell roof. The compressive behavior of the 3DP-SHCC reticulated shell roof is evaluated using a combination of experimental tests and numerical simulation approaches. The 3DP-SHCC reticulated shell roof features excellent mechanical properties and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The specific energy absorption and ductility index of this structure are 0.065 J/g and 0.078, respectively. The feasibility of this concept is validated by constructing a complete building structure within just 16 min. This printing process has the potential to create complex designs with minimal labor, making it suitable for rapid construction in extreme environments.

Research on the Energy-Absorbing and Cushioning Performance of a New Half-Bowl Ball Rubber Body in Tunnel Support

As coal mine underground operating conditions are harsh, strengthening and optimizing the support structure is conducive to the safety of mining work and personnel. Currently, underground support devices face problems such as poor environmental adaptability and unbalanced performance of shockproof and energy absorption. At the same time, the energy absorption mechanism and impact dynamic analysis of the support structure are still imperfect. This paper proposes a simple and effective bionic half-bowl spherical rubber energy-absorbing structure based on the actual production needs of coal mines, with energy-absorbing rubber as the main structural interlayer. A combination of experimental testing and simulation was used to reveal the dynamic response and mechanism of simulated energy absorption of a half-bowl-shaped rubber layer under different working conditions. Abaqus software was used to simulate and analyze the dynamic response of the half-bowl spherical rubber structure under the impact condition, and the simulation data were compared with the experimental results. In addition, the relationship between energy absorption and stress at the rubber structure and the base plate under different impact velocities was investigated. The results show that the simulated and experimental results of the rubber structure have almost the same pressure vs. time trend within 0.1 s at an impact velocity of 64 m/s, and there is no significant wear on the rubber surface after impact. Due to the energy-absorbing effect of the rubber structure, the maximum stress of the bottom member plate-2 of the mechanism is lower than 9 × 104 N. The maximum amount of compression of the half-bowl ball is 37.56 mm at an impact velocity of 64 m/s. The maximum amount of compression of the half-bowl ball is 37.56 mm.

Fabrication of Inconel 718 composites reinforced with TiCN via laser powder bed fusion: Integration of triply periodic minimal surface lattice structures

The integration of TiCN particles into superalloy composites for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and the construction of Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) lattice structures have been understudied. This research systematically examines the microstructure and mechanical properties of LPBF-processed 10 vol% micron sized TiCN particle reinforced Inconel 718 (IN718) composites. The compressive behavior of the resultant TPMS lattice structures, derived from the TiCN-IN718 composite, was scrutinized through a combination of experimental testing and Finite Element (FE) simulation. The micro-sized TiCN reinforcement is demonstrated to notably augment the hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance of the LPBFed TiCN-IN718 composite. Furthermore, the application of homogenization-solution-aging (HSA) heat treatment is shown to provide additional enhancements to the composite's mechanical behavior. Both the TiCN reinforcement and the HSA heat treatment are identified as pivotal factors influencing the compressive response of the TPMS lattice structures. Experimental findings indicate that the HSA-treated D-structure attains the highest compressive strength, reaching 122 MPa, outperforming both the G- and P-structures. During quasi-static compression testing, the D- and G-structures undergo a layer-by-layer collapse, while the P-structure exhibits tilt shear band behavior. The congruence between FE simulation results and experimental data substantiates the simulation's reliability and its capacity to accurately evaluate the mechanical behavior of TPMS lattice structures.

Investigation on the coupling damage effects of ships subjected to near-field underwater explosion loads

Near-field underwater explosions generate complex load forms and cause destructive strikes on ships. To investigate the damage characteristics of ships under the combined effect of multiple loads, local and overall damage modes were first investigated through the combination of experimental tests and numerical simulation. Then a series of numerical simulations of full-scale ships subjected to near-field underwater explosions with different stand-off distances, equivalents, and detonation positions were carried out. The damage effects of shock wave, bubble pulsation, after flow, and water jet loads on ships were analyzed. The results show that the combined effects of different loads lead to different damage modes. Shock waves and after flow loads are the main cause of local damage and hogging damage, while pressure difference and bubble adsorption are the main reasons for the hogging damage. Finally, a criterion was proposed to determine the damage modes of ships under near-field underwater explosions.

Contributions of capsular releases to femoral exposure in total hip arthroplasty via the direct anterior approach

BackgroundIn total hip arthroplasty via the direct anterior approach, appropriate exposure is critical to allow preparation of the femur. The objective of this study was to explore the optimal soft tissue releases needed to allow broaching of the femur through a combination of experimental tests and computer simulations. MethodsFourteen full-body cadaveric specimens were included in this study. Total hip arthroplasty was performed via the direct anterior approach with the femur at 20° adduction and 20°extension. Soft tissue releases were performed sequentially, namely, the transverse iliofemoral ligament, descending iliofemoral ligament, ischio-femoral ligament, conjoint tendon, and obturator externus. After each release, the femur mobility was assessed by applying a 6 Nm external rotation torque and a 120 N distraction force. Subsequently, using specimen-specific models and models of the broach and handle, the broach passage after each release was simulated, and the release that allowed broach passage was analyzed. FindingsThe average external rotation after releasing the transverse and descending iliofemoral ligaments increased by 14.1° ± 6.1° and 13.8° ± 5.3°. With subsequent soft tissue releases, the rotational mobility increased incrementally, though the impact decreased. Impingement between the broach passage and the pelvis was mainly at the anterior superior iliac spine and the anterior inferior iliac spine. The volume of impingement decreased from 4.8 ± 4.5 cm3 after resection of the femoral head to 1.8 ± 1.6 cm3 and 1.2 ± 1.9 cm3 after release of the transverse and descending iliofemoral ligament, respectively. InterpretationWith sequential soft-tissue releases, the femur mobility increased incrementally. However, the number of releases needed for each femur varied extensively between specimens. Most (10/14) femurs became accessible after the release of the ilio-femoral or ischio-femoral ligament.

A quantitative assessment of the rehabilitative impact of Kevlar liners on offshore pipelines

Offshore pipelines transport oil and natural gas that contain different corrosive contaminants, leading to internal corrosions. The presence of internal metal loss problems can significantly degrade the load-bearing capacity and reliability of pipelines over time. To address this issue, a Kevlar liner, offering a more accessible and cost-effective solution, is employed for repairing corroded pipelines. However, a quantitative assessment of the rehabilitating effect of Kevlar liner has been lacking. This study performed an investigation of the burst pressure of internal corroded pipelines reinforced with the Kevlar liner through a combination of experimental testing and finite element numerical simulations. While previous research primarily concentrated on single external defect, this study has investigated the burst pressure of pipelines in the presence of both single and dual internal corrosion defects. The results indicated that the presence of two corrosion defects further decreases the burst pressure of the pipelines. This study examined the reinforcement mechanism of Kevlar liner, revealing that it largely postpones the stress development in the corrosion zone and thereby enhances the ultimate internal pressure load-bearing capacity of the pipelines. Moreover, the contact stress resulting from the friction between the Kevlar liner and the steel pipeline contributes to the overall improvement in the load-bearing capacity of the corroded offshore pipelines.

Running safety control performance of high-speed trains on bridges under seismic excitation utilizing tuned mass damper

The safety of high-speed trains on bridges during seismic conditions is of paramount concern, especially for high-pier bridges characterized by lower lateral stiffness. The risk of train derailment during earthquakes can increase due to heightened low-frequency excitation. While Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs) have proven effective in mitigating structural responses, their influence on time-varying vehicle-bridge interactions under earthquakes remains an unexplored area of study. In this research, a 1:10 scale model of a high-speed train-track-bridge coupling system, incorporating a nonlinear wheel-rail interface, was subjected to testing using a four-shaking-table system. This system exhibited good control accuracy and synchronization rates. The experimental results were used to validate the accuracy of the numerical model for the train-track-bridge coupled system under various train speeds. Subsequently, the seismic control performance of TMDs on high-speed trains was assessed through a combination of experimental tests and numerical simulations. Both sets of results, from the experimental and numerical approaches, confirmed the effectiveness of TMDs in controlling acceleration and force-related parameters for both moving and stationary trains. Notably, the control performance is most pronounced when vibrations closely align with the TMD's operating frequency. Additionally, this study delved into the mechanism of train vibration control and conducted a comprehensive parametric investigation, considering factors like pier heights (24 m–50 m), train speeds (0–300 km/h), ground motion intensities (0.04 g–0.21 g), and TMD mass ratios (0.03–0.08). The findings revealed that TMDs have a more significant impact on enhancing the safety index of trains for high-pier bridges characterized by lower frequencies. For instance, in the case of a 50 m pier, the running train's derailment coefficient can be reduced by 34.94 %. However, the control action is narrowband, effectively mitigating train vibrations near the bridge's natural frequency but less effective outside the working frequency range and absolute base acceleration.

Strength of Composite Pressure Insulators for High Voltage Circuit Breakers: An Experimental and Numerical Investigation.

Glass fiber-reinforced composite cylinders, capable of withstanding internal pressure generated during service, are increasingly utilized as insulators in high voltage circuit breakers. Different testing procedures have been suggested by various standards to assess the pressure resistance of these components. Due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, the split-disk testing method is the most widely used for evaluating the hoop strength of pressure cylinders during the development and verification phases. However, the method presents several aspects, such as those related to the influence of specimen geometry and friction, which require further examination since they may impact the outcome of the experimental tests. The investigation, carried out by a combination of experimental testing and finite element analyses, shows that the friction between the specimen and the semi-disks has a noteworthy effect on the hoop load applied to the specimen. Almost constant load distributions along the hoop direction, representative of the real operating conditions in a pressurized cylinder, can be achieved via proper lubrication of the contact surfaces. Furthermore, FE analyses demonstrate that the notch geometry suggested by specific standards (short notch) is not capable of inducing a uniform strain distribution in the notched region. A different notch geometry (long notch) is proposed in the study to attain a more uniform strain field over the reduced area region. The experimental results indicate that the strength measured on the short notch specimens is higher than that determined on the long notch specimens, thus confirming the significant influence of strain distribution on the strength properties measured with the split-disk method.

Digital precision in engineered ceramics: Tailoring toughness and flexibility through interlocking strategies

Precise material architectures and interfaces can render conventional ceramics tough, deformable and damage-resistant, offering a wide range of possibilities beyond those provided by conventional ones. This study explores the mechanical properties of topologically interlocked ceramic panels by systematically varying architectural parameters (i.e., interlocking angles and building block sizes) using a combination of experimental testing and finite element modeling based on COMSOL Multiphysics®. Three distinct designs were fabricated using digital laser manufacturing, categorized as designs with constant interlocking angles and tile sizes, constant interlocking angles and variable tile sizes, and variable interlocking angles and tile sizes and subjected them to out-of-plane quasi-static loads. The results show substantial enhancements in toughness (up to 110%) and strength (up to 120%) for ceramics with varying building block sizes, compared to those with constant block sizes. Additionally, these ceramics exhibit increased flexibility (up to 130%) compared to plain ceramics. Larger interlocking angles contribute to superior mechanical properties, fostering increased energy absorption and stability. The study also investigates post-failure behavior, revealing that increasing length ratios consistently augment the energy absorption. This research highlights the potential of these materials for flexible protection and the importance of controlling architectural parameters based on the interlocking angle and building block size to optimize performance while minimizing damage.

Machine Learning Modeling Integrating Experimental Analysis for Predicting Compressive Strength of Concrete Containing Different Industrial Byproducts

This study aimed to develop accurate models for estimating the compressive strength (CS) of concrete using a combination of experimental testing and different machine learning (ML) approaches: baseline regression models, boosting model, bagging model, tree-based ensemble models, and average voting regression (VR). The research utilized an extensive experimental dataset with 14 input variables, including cement, limestone powder, fly ash, granulated glass blast furnace slag, silica fume, rice husk ash, marble powder, brick powder, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, recycled coarse aggregate, water, superplasticizer, and voids in mineral aggregate. To evaluate the performance of each ML model, five metrics were used: mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2-score), and relative root mean squared error (RRMSE). The comparative analysis revealed that the VR model exhibited the highest effectiveness, displaying a strong correlation between actual and estimated outcomes. The boosting, bagging, and VR models achieved impressive R2-scores in the range of 86.69%–92.43%, with MAE ranging from 3.87 to 4.87, MSE from 21.74 to 38.37, RMSE from 4.66 to 4.87, and RRMSE between 8% and 11%. Particularly, the VR model outperformed all other models with the highest R2-score (92.43%) and the lowest error rate. The developed models demonstrated excellent generalization and prediction capabilities, providing valuable tools for practitioners, researchers, and designers to efficiently evaluate the CS of concrete. By mitigating environmental vulnerabilities and associated impacts, this research can significantly contribute to enhancing the quality and sustainability of concrete construction practices.

The study on the properties of a metamaterial composed of star-shaped auxetic and curved-beam multi-stable structure

This article presents the design of a new metamaterial with adjustable Poisson’s ratio and multi-stability, which combines two common metamaterial structures: star-shaped auxetic and multi-stability. The range of negative Poisson’s ratio variation for the unit structure is 0.2433. The negative Poisson’s ratio shows an increasing trend followed by a decrease with the increase in compression displacement. The peak compression displacement is 12 mm, and the peak negative Poisson’s ratio is −0.1499. Simultaneously, the structure exhibits good shape memory properties, with a shape memory recovery ratio of R rx = 94.18% in the y-axis direction and R ry = 91.20% in the x-axis direction. The shape memory recovery time is 35.10 s. The combination of experimental testing and finite element analysis was employed to verify the functionality of the adjustable Poisson’s ratio in the structure. Special attention was given to investigating the structural parameters such as the type of curved-beam, the angle of the star-shaped structure, the width of the star-shaped structure, and the connection method for their effects on the shape memory effect and the range, peak value, and peak compression displacement of the negative Poisson’s ratio in the unit structure. Based on the characteristics of the novel metamaterial, including a significant increase in stiffness upon compression and controllable deformation sequence, it can be used as a buffering device in protective engineering and civil engineering applications.

Improved lifetime estimation of shot-peened shaft bores using a numerical approach

Shot peening is commonly used to improve the fatigue strength of mechanical components. The peening process involves the use of high-energy mechanical impacts to create compressive residual stresses and a material hardening on the surface of the component, which can significantly increase its resistance to fatigue. Accurate lifetime prediction is important for optimizing the design of shot-peened components and ensuring their reliability and safety. Due to nonlinear material behavior and the simulation of contact, estimating the lifetime of shot-peened shaft bores under cyclic loading conditions remains a challenge.In this study, the lifetime estimation of shot-peened shaft bores using a combination of experimental testing and finite element analysis is investigated. A series of experiments was conducted on shot-peened shaft bores made of EN-GJS-700 and 34CrNiMo6, using different peening parameters such as intensity and coverage. The specimens with shot-peened shaft bores were subjected to cyclic loading in a fatigue testing machine and the lifetime was experimentally identified.The results were used to develop a methodology based on finite element analysis, which considers the effect of the shot peening parameters on the residual stress distribution, hardening and the resulting fatigue life. The results of the proposed methodology were validated against the experimental data and showed good agreement with the experimental results.The derived methodology can be used to estimate the lifetime of shot-peened shaft bores under different loading and peening conditions and provides a useful tool for optimizing the design of shot-peened components in fatigue engineering applications.

Analysis and testing of tread braked railway wheel — Effects of hot spots on wheel performance

To investigate the impact of localised heating phenomena in the form of hot spots on wheel performance in general and on wheel residual stress state in particular, a combination of experimental testing and finite element simulations of tread braked wheels has been performed. Using a newly established full-scale railway brake test rig, a wheel is exposed to prolonged drag braking applications at constant power levels to induce high temperatures on the wheel tread. The distribution and evolution of the temperature is studied using a high-speed, high-resolution thermographic camera in addition to traditional sliding thermocouples. Measured temperature data are then used in combination with a thermomechanically calibrated material model to simulate the wheel behaviour. For this purpose, a 3D finite element model representing a sector of a railway wheel is used. The experimental results show that the temperatures measured utilising sliding thermocouples provide insufficient information since they cannot resolve the uneven tread temperatures given typical response times. Non-uniform heating is found to have a significant effect on tensile residual stresses in the rim. Especially the case with global uneven temperatures is found to generate potentially hazardous residual stresses. The results presents future challenges for the analysis and development of the brake-wheel-rail system.

Biomechanical Analysis of the Impact of Transverse Connectors of Pedicle-Screw-Based Fixation on Thoracolumbar Compression Fracture

Contemporary clinical practice is progressively shifting towards percutaneous minimally invasive surgery. Conversely, the incorporation of transverse connectors in the design of spinal fixation systems is associated with more invasive open surgical procedures. The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of transverse connectors in posterior spinal fixation system designs in cases involving vertebral compression fractures, specifically on selected mechanical parameters of the thoracolumbar spine in situations of instability. This research objective was achieved through a combination of experimental tests and numerical simulations. From the experimental tests conducted, critical mechanical parameters were ascertained, including the bending stiffness coefficient and energy dissipation. Numerical simulations were employed to determine additional parameters, such as the angular range of motion for individual spinal segments, intradiscal pressure within individual intervertebral discs, and stress distribution on the articular facets. Analyzing the impact of transverse connectors on the obtained results revealed that their inclusion in a fixation system results in a minor increase in stiffness and a decrease in mobility in comparison to fixation systems devoid of connectors. These findings create the potential for utilizing minimally invasive surgery as a viable alternative to open surgical procedures.

Thermo-physical and mechanical performances of a new lightweight construction material made with clay and Posidonia-Oceanica fibers

This paper investigates a recently developed composite material composed of clay and Posidonia-Oceanica Natural Fibers (PONFs). The main objective of this work is to evaluate the thermal insulation characteristics and mechanical performance of the composite material developed for the purpose of thermal insulation in buildings. The investigation involves varying the concentration of Posidonia-Oceanica Natural Fibers (PONFs) within the composite, ranging from 0% to 20%. To achieve a thorough understanding of the material's behavior, a combination of experimental testing and theoretical analysis was carried out. Specifically, the periodical method (DICO) was utilized in tandem with an inverse technique featuring the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. This methodological approach enables a comprehensive exploration of the composite material's characteristics and performance, with implications for its use in enhancing the thermal insulation of buildings." Additionally, the mechanical properties of this composite material were systematically evaluated. The findings indicated that higher PONFs content significantly reduced thermal conductivity (by 63.5%), thermal diffusivity (by 26.9%), and density (by 49.5%). Consequently, the most favorable mechanical properties were observed when the PONFs content reached approximately 10% of the total mass. The outcomes of this study revealed that the incorporation of PONFs has a beneficial impact on the thermo-mechanical characteristics of the composite material. Specifically, PONFs enhanced the material's insulation capabilities, increased its ability to attenuate heat diffusion, and reduced its overall weight. This work conclusively showed that the inclusion of PONFs, up to a maximum of 10%, meets the structural requirements for lightweight clay and encourages its potential use as a novel insulating construction material.

Residual Stress Testing and Simulation Analysis of Crystal Structures of Electronic Device Materials

In this paper, we analyze the residual stress of different components of the crystal structures of electronic device materials following exposure to elevated temperatures using a combination of experimental tests and finite element simulations. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and LXRD micro-area residual stress analyzer were employed to determine the residual strain and stress of the CBGA sample encapsulation cover and solder joints. Subsequently, the experimental data were utilized to verify the accuracy of the simulation. The discrepancy between experimental measurements and simulation outcomes of the residual stress following reflow soldering of CBGA-assembled micro-solder joints is below 14%. The analysis also included thermal warping deformation of the CBGA encapsulation cover and how the residual stress was influenced by the diameter, spacing, and height of the solder joints. The study reveals that the residual stress following reflow soldering of BGA solder joints is non-uniformly distributed within the array. Within a single solder joint, residual stress gradually increases in distribution from its middle to the point where it make contact with the PCB and chip, with the highest level of residual stress observed where the solder joint contacts the chip. The variation in material parameters, such as the coefficient of thermal expansion, is the primary cause of thermal warping deformation on the surface of CBGA encapsulation covers. Three primary factors significantly impact the residual stress on BGA solder joints: solder joint diameter, spacing, and height. The maximum value is inversely proportional to the height of the solder joints and the residual stress. Conversely, the diameter and spacing of the joints are positively proportional to the highest value. When the diameter of the solder joint is increased from 0.55 mm to 0.75 mm, the maximum residual stress in the BGA solder joint increases from 37.243 MPa to 36.835 MPa. Conversely, increasing the height of the solder joint from 0.36 mm to 0.44 mm reduces the stress from 39.776 MPa to 36.835 MPa.

Surface roughness as a quantitative approach to use-wear on macrolithic tools: A comparative analysis

Use-wear analysis has been a well-established aspect of the study of artefact biography for decades, and it has recently developed along two different, though complementary methodological paths. While the classical or qualitative approach still relies largely on the experience gained from the combination of experimental tests, tribological principles and visual observation, new attempts try to define quantitative surface signatures. Surface topography and roughness analyses should allow one to associate surfaces to specific uses and warrant comparability and reproducibility of obtained datasets beyond textual descriptions and images. This approach is highly relevant to use-wear studies of macrolithic tools, where different techniques have made use of the available high-resolution devices. However, no systematic approach has been published yet with the aim of evaluating the operating capacity of the different systems and techniques. Consequently, the precision as well as the resolution of the data obtained and the comparability between results is questionable because of the complexity of the available technical options. The present study offers a method for surface roughness quantification of macrolithic tools and compares the results achieved with different 3D modeling devices.

Hardness measurements as a technique for measuring accumulated fatigue damage

PurposeBrinell, Vickers and low-force Vickers hardness measurements are herein adopted to investigate and quantify the fatigue damage evolution in specimens made of S355J2+AR ferritic pearlitic steel. Though nano and microhardness measurements have been well adopted, they require a strict preparation routine, whereas macroscopic hardness measurements are not as stringent.Design/methodology/approachThe feasibility of adopting macroscopic hardness measurements as a means of measuring fatigue damage is investigated through a combination of experimental tests and finite element analyses with both Brinell and Vickers hardness indenter.FindingsIt is found that the Brinell hardness measurements method seems more feasible, regarding finding a continuous and significant change during the fatigue life, in comparison to both Vickers and low-force Vickers. Thereafter, the question regarding the feasibility of the hardness measurements as a method of assessing accumulated fatigue damage in situ is discussed.Originality/valueMuch work has previously been performed towards correlation of the micro and nano hardness indentations, which generally has stringent preparation requirements before testing. Herein, the adoption of macroscopic hardness measurements as a means of assessing accumulated fatigue damage is considered both experimentally and theoretically.

Effect of glass cover layer on the ballistic performance of transparent ceramic armor

Transparent ceramics are typically used as the strike-face layer owing to their superior mechanical properties, such as high strength and high hardness. For typical transparent ceramic armor, the ceramic layer is usually divided into small ceramic tiles because of the size limitations. However, the tiled structure is restricted in application due to the discontinuity between ceramic tiles, which can be solved by covering the outer surface with a glass plate. In this study, the effect of the glass cover layer on the ballistic performance of transparent ceramic armor is investigated through a combination of experimental testing and finite element (FE) simulation. The results exhibited that under the impact of 7.62 mm armor-piercing incendiaries, the ceramic tiles were prematurely damaged when the glass cover was added. Besides, the reduction of the ceramic energy dissipation was greater than the energy dissipation of the glass cover itself, thus reducing the ballistic performance of the transparent ceramic armor. The results also revealed that the pre-damage area increased as the thickness of the glass cover increased from 1 mm to 4 mm.

Use of Artificial Neural Networks to Optimize Stacking Sequence in UHMWPE Protections.

The aim of the present work is to provide a methodology to evaluate the influence of stacking sequence on the ballistic performance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) protections. The proposed methodology is based on the combination of experimental tests, numerical modelling, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). High-velocity impact experimental tests were conducted to validate the numerical model. The validated Finite Element Method (FEM) model was used to provide data to train and to validate the ANN. Finally, the ANN was used to find the best stacking sequence combining layers of three UHMWPE materials with different qualities. The results showed that the three UHMWPE materials can be properly combined to provide a solution with a better ballistic performance than using only the material with highest quality. These results imply that costs can be reduced increasing the ballistic limit of the UHMWPE protections. When the weight ratios of the three materials remain constant, the optimal results occur when the highest-performance material is placed in the back face. Furthermore, ANN simulation showed that the optimal results occur when the weight ratio of the highest-performance material is 79.2%.