Damage mechanics and energy absorption capabilities of naturalfiber reinforced elastomeric based bio composite for sacrificial structural applications

The present study deals with the experimental, finite element (FE) and analytical assessment of low ballistic impact response of proposedflexible'green' composite make use of naturally available jute and rubber as the constituents of the composite with stacking sequences namely jute/rubber/jute (JRJ), jute/rubber/rubber/jute (JRRJ) and jute/rubber/jute/rubber/jute (JRJRJ). Ballistic impact tests were carried out by firing a conical projectile using a gas gun apparatus at lower range of ballistic impact regime. The ballistic impact response of the proposed flexible composites are assesses based on energy absorption and damage mechanism. Results revealed that inclusion of natural rubber aids in better energy ab-sorption and mitigating the failure of the proposed composite. Among the three different stacking se-quences of flexible composites considered, JRJRJ provides better ballistic performance compared to its counterparts. The damage study reveals that the main mechanism of failure involved in flexible com-posites is matrix tearing as opposed to matrix cracking in stiff composites indicating that the proposedflexible composites are free from catastrophic failure. Results obtained from experimental, FE and analytical approach pertaining to energy absorption and damage mechanism agree well with each other. The proposed flexible composites due to their exhibited energy absorption capabilities and damage mechanism are best suited as claddings for structural application subjected to impact with an aim of protecting the main structural component from being failed catastrophically.     

Development of cost effective personnel armour through structural hybridization

The objective of the present study is to develop cost effective thermoplastic hybrid laminate using Dyneema® HB50 and Tensylon®HSBD 30A through structural hybridization method. Laminates having 20 mm thickness were fabricated and subjected to 7.62 × 39 mm mild steel core projectile with an impact velocity of 730 ± 10 ms⁻¹. Parameters such as energy absorption, back face deformation and rate of back face deformation were measured as a function of hybridization ratio. It was observed that hybrid laminate with 50:50 ratio (w/w) of Tensylon® and Dyneema® with Tensylon® as front face showed 200% more energy absorption when compared to 100% Tensylon® laminate and showed equal energy absorption as that of expensive 100% Dyneema® laminate. Moreover, hybrid laminate with TD50:50 ratio showed 40% lower in terms of final back face deformation than Dyneema® laminate. Rate of back face deformation was also found to be slow for hybrid laminate as compared to Dyneema® laminate. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that, Tensylon® laminate has got higher stiffness and lower damping factor than Dyneema® and hybrid laminates. The interface between Tensylon® and Dyneema® layers was found to be separating during the penetration process due to the poor interfacial bonding. Failure behaviour of laminates for different hybridization ratios were studied by sectioning the impacted laminates. It was observed that, the Tensylon® laminate has undergone shear cutting of fibers as major failure mode whereas the hybrid laminate showed shear cutting followed by tensile stretching, fiber pull out and delamination. These inputs are highly useful for body armour applications to design cost effective armour with enhanced performance.     

Crashworthiness performance of hybrid kenaf/glass fiber reinforced epoxy tube on winding orientation effect under quasi-static compression load

This research was aimed to study the effect winding orientation on the crashworthiness performance of hybrid tube. The specimens tested under quasi-static compression load involve of three winding parameters (θ = 30°, 45° and 70°) of hybrid kenaf/glass fiber reinforced epoxy and glass fiber reinforced epoxy as contrast specimen. The automated filament winding technique has been used in fabrication of hybrid and non-hybrid composite tube and crashworthiness performance was investigated experimentally. The effects of winding orientation on energy absorption capabilities and crashworthiness characteristic were investigated through quasi-static compression load and the result are compared with the glass fiber composite tube to justify the capability of hybrid natural/synthetic as energy absorption application. Hybridized samples proved to enhancing the progressive crushing capability as combination of local buckling, delaminate and brittle fracturing as progressive crushing modes.In the view of winding orientation aspect, the results of high winding orientation of hybrid composite tube elevated the crush load efficiency, specific energy absorption and energy absorption capability compared to glass composite tube (GFRP). The hybrid kenaf/glass composite tube with high winding orientation showed the best winding orientation to enhance the energy absorber characteristics as energy absorption application.     

Low velocity impact studies of E-glass/epoxy composite laminates at different thicknesses and temperatures

Low velocity impact experiments were carried out on E-glass/epoxy composite laminates having varying thicknesses at sub zero and elevated temperatures using hemi spherical steel impactor of 16 mm diameter with impact energies in the rage of 50–150 J. The performance of the laminates was assessed in terms of energy absorption, maximum displacement, peak force and failure behaviour. Results indicated that the effect of temperature on energy absorption of the laminate is negligible although the laminates are embrittling at sub zero temperatures. However it has influence on failure behaviour and displacement. Peak force has increased linearly with increase in laminate thickness from 5 to 10 mm. However it got reduced by 25% when temperature was increased from −20 °C to 100 °C. Based on experimental results, laminate perforation energies were predicted using curve fitting equations. Statistical analysis was carried out using Taguchi method to identify the global effects of various parameters on laminate performance and confirmed that the laminate thickness has significant influence as compared to temperature, for the studied range.     

Investigation of the mechanical and ballistic properties of hybrid carbon/ aramid woven laminates

High-performance ballistic fibers, such as aramid fiber and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), are commonly used in anti-ballistic structures due to their low density, high tensile strength and high specific modulus. However, their low modulus in the thickness direction and insufficient shear strength limits their application in certain ballistic structure. In contrast, carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin matrix composites (CFRP) have the characteristics of high modulus in the thickness direction and high shear resistance. However, carbon fibers are rarely used and applied for protection purposes. A hybridization with aramid fiber reinforced epoxy resin matrix composites (AFRP) and CFRP has the potential to improve the stiffness and the ballistic property of the typical ballistic fiber composites. The hybrid effects on the flexural property and ballistic performance of the hybrid CFRP/AFRP laminates were investigated. Through conducting mechanical property tests and ballistic tests, two sets of reliable simulation parameters for AFRP and CFRP were established using LS-DYNA software, respectively. The experimental results suggested that by increasing the content of CFRP that the flexural properties of hybrid CFRP/AFRP laminates were enhanced. The ballistic tests’ results and the simulation illustrated that the specific energy absorption by the perforation method of CFRP achieved 77.7% of AFRP. When CFRP was on the striking face, the shear resistance of the laminates and the resistance force to the projectiles was promoted at the initial penetration stage. The proportion of fiber tensile failures in the AFRP layers was also enhanced with the addition of CFRP during the penetration process. These improvements resulted in the ballistic performance of hybrid CFRP/AFRP laminates was better than AFRP when the CFRP content was 20 wt% and 30 wt%.     

A comprehensive review on material selection for polymer matrix composites subjected to impact load

Polymer matrix composites (PMC) are extensively been used in many engineering applications. Various natural fibers have emerged as potential replacements to synthetic fibers as reinforcing materials composites owing to their fairly better mechanical properties, low cost, environment friendliness and biodegradability. Selection of appropriate constituents of composites for a particular application is a tedious task for a designer/engineer. Impact loading has emerged as the serious threat for the composites used in structural or secondary structural application and demands the usage of appropriate fiber and matrix combination to enhance the energy absorption and mitigate the failure. The objective of the present review is to explore the composite with various fiber and matrix combination used for impact applications, identify the gap in the literature and suggest the potential naturally available fiber and matrix combination of composites for future work in the field of impact loading. The novelty of the present study lies in exploring the combination of naturally available fiber and matrix combination which can help in better energy absorption and mitigate the failure when subjected to impact loading. In addition, the application of multi attributes decision making (MADM) tools is demonstrated for selection of fiber and matrix materials which can serve as a benchmark study for the researchers in future.     

Kevlar fabric reinforced polybenzoxazine composites filled with silane treated microcrystalline cellulose in the interlayers: The next generation of multi-layered armor panels

The design of astonishing combinations of benzoxazine resins with various fillers is nowadays of great interest for high quality products, especially in ballistic armors. The objective of this study is to investigate a new hybrid material prepared as multi-layered composite plate by hand lay-up technique. Different composites were manufactured from Kevlar fabrics reinforced polybenzoxazine, which was filled with silane treated microcrystalline cellulose (MCC Si) at various amounts in the interlayers. The developed materials were tested for their flexural, dynamic mechanical and ballistic performance. The aim was to highlight the effect of adding different amounts of MCC Si on the behavior of the different plates. Compared to the baseline, the dynamic mechanical and bending tests revealed an obvious decrease of the glass transition of 21 °C and a notable increase in storage modulus and flexural strength of about 180 %and17%, respectively, upon adding 1% MMC Si as filler. Similarly, the ballistic test exhibited an enhancement in kinetic energy absorption for which the composite supplemented with 1% MCC Si had the maximal energy absorption of 166.60 J. These results indicated that the developed panels, with interesting mechanical and ballistic features, are suitable to be employed as raw materials to produce body armor.     

Investigation of normal,lateral, and oblique impact of microscale projectiles into unidirectional glass/epoxy composites

Spacesuits and spacecraft must endure high velocity impacts from micrometeoroids. This work considers the impact of 100 μm diameter projectiles into composite targets at velocities from 0.5 km/s to 2 km/s. This work begins by presenting an energy-based theoretical model relating depth of penetration (DoP) and impact force to impact velocity, characteristic time, and threshold velocity and force. Next, this work compares numerical simulations of normal impact on composites to the theoretical model. Numerical simulations are conducted with LS-DYNA and the well-known composite model, MAT-162. The numerical models consider unidirectional S2-glass fiber reinforced SC-15 epoxy composite laminates. The numerical model shows good correlation with the theoretical model. The numerical model also investigates lateral impact, parallel to the fiber direction, and oblique impact at angles from 30° to 82.5°. This work decomposes oblique impact into normal and lateral components, and compares them with normal and lateral impact results. The results show good correlation of the normal component of oblique results with the theoretical model. This numerical and theoretical study focuses on DoP, velocity, and penetration resistance force as functions of time. The theoretical model and numerical simulations are used to determine new DoP parameters: characteristic time of depth of penetration and threshold impact velocity. These models are a first step in developing the capability to predict DoP for oblique, microscale, high-speed impact on composite materials.     

三维石英纤维增强氮化物基复合材料的烧蚀性能及显微结构

采用先驱体转化法制备了三维石英纤维增强氮化物基复合材料(3D SiO2f/Si3N4-BN),用等离子射流烧蚀方法研究了复合材料的烧蚀性能,运用扫描电镜及能谱仪对烧蚀表面微观形貌进行了观察和分析。结果表明氮化物基复合材料在高压高热流等离子体烧蚀下线烧蚀率为0.91mm/s,石英纤维熔融并被吹除带走了大量的热量,熔融层抑制了基体的机械剥蚀。基体由于强度高、升华温度高,延缓了熔融层的吹除,表明氮化物基复合材料是一种良好的耐高温烧蚀透波材料。     

Influence of thickness and projectile shape on penetration resistance of the compliant composite

The present study deals with development of conceptual proof for jute rubber basedflexible composite block to completely arrest the projectile impacting the target at high velocity impact of 400 m/s through numerical simulation approach using finite element (FE) method. The proposed flexible composite blocks of repeating jute/rubber/jute (JRJ) units are modelled with varying thickness from 30 mm to 120 mm in increments of 30 mm and impacted by flat (F), ogival (O) and hemispherical (HS) shaped projectiles. All the considered projectiles are impacted with proposed flexible composite blocks of different thicknesses and the penetration behaviour of the projectile in each case is studied. The penetration depth of the projectile in case of partially penetrated cases are considered and the effect of thickness and projectile shape on percentage of penetration depth is statistically analyzed using Tagu-chi's design of experiments (DOE). Results reveal that the though proposedflexible composite block with thickness of 90 mm is just sufficient to arrest the complete penetration of the projectile, considering the safety issues, it is recommended to use theflexible composite with thickness of 120 mm. The nature of damage caused by the projectile in the flexible composite is also studied. Statistical studies show that thickness of the block plays a prominent role in determining the damage resistance of the flexible composite.     

Evaluation of effectiveness of polymer coatings in reducing blast-induced deformation of steel plates

Incorporating elastomers such as polymers in protective structures to withstand high energetic dynamic loads, has gained significant interest. The main objective of this study is to investigate the influence of a Polyurea coating towards the blast-induced response in steel plates. As such, Polyurea coated steel plates were tested under near-field blast loads, produced by the detonation of 1 kg of spherical nitromethane charges, at a standoff distance of 150 mm. Mild steel (XLERPLATE 350) and high-strength steel (BIS80) plates with thicknesses of 10 mm were Polyurea coated with thicknesses of 6 mm and 12 mm on either the front (facing the charge) or the back face. The deformation profiles were measured using 3D scanning. Numerical simulations were performed using the non-linear finite element code LS-DYNA. The strain-dependent behaviour of the steel and Polyurea were represented by Johnson-cook and Money-Rivlin constitutive models, respectively. The numerical models were validated by comparing the plate deflection results obtained from the experiments and were then used in the subsequent parametric study to investigate the optimum thickness of the Polyurea coating. The results indicate that back face coating contributes towards an approximately 20% reduction in the residual deformation as well as the absence of melting of the Polyurea layer, while the front-face coating can be used a means of providing additional standoff distance to the steel plates.     

抗超高速撞击多层结构复合材料研究

本文介绍了抗超高速撞击多层结构复合材料的设计、制备和实验,并对结果进行了讨论,实验证明,以SiC陶瓷基复合材料为防护层、以空心微珠或多孔变密度复合材料为缓冲层、以编织物复合材料为结构层的多层结构复合材料,具有面密度低、抗撞击速度范围宽、抗撞击性能好的特点。     

Formation and characterization of core-shell CL-20/TNT composite prepared by spray-drying technique

The core-shell 2,4,6,8,10,12-Hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane/2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (CL-20/TNT) composite was prepared by spray-drying method in which sensitive high energy explosive (CL-20) was coated with insensitive explosive (TNT). The structure and properties of different formulations of CL-20/TNT composite and CL-20/TNT mixture were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Laser particle size analyzer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), impact sensitivity test and detonation performance. The results of SEM, TEM, XPS and XRD show that ϵ-CL-20 particles are coated by TNT. When the ratio of CL-20/TNT is 75/25, core-shell structure is well formed, and thickness of the shell is about 20–30 nm. And the analysis of heat and impact show that with the increase of TNT content, the TNT coating on the core-shell composite material can not only catalyze the thermal decomposition of core material (CL-20), but also greatly reduce the impact sensitivity. Compared with the CL-20/TNT mixture (75/25) at the same ratio, the characteristic drop height of core-shell CL-20/TNT composite (75/25) increased by 47.6% and the TNT coating can accelerate the nuclear decomposition in the CL-20/TNT composites. Therefore, the preparation of the core-shell composites can be regarded as a unique means, by which the composites are characterized by controllable decomposition rate, high energy and excellent mechanical sensitivity and could be applied to propellants and other fields.     

Physical and damping properties of kenaf fibre filled natural rubber/thermoplastic polyurethane composites

The paper presents the investigation of the effect of alkaline treatment of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on physical and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) viscoelastic properties of kenaf fibre filled natural rubber (NR)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites. The treated kenaf fiber, NR and TPU were weighed and proportioned according to the required compositions and were blended using hot mixed Brabender machine. The polymer composites were then fabricated using the hot press to form a sample board. The sample was cut and prepared and water absorption, density, thickness swelling and DMA tests were performed. As far as physical properties are concerned, composites with the highest NR amount of shows the best results, which indicates good fiber bonding adhesion. The polymer composites with the highest amount of TPU shows the highest damping properties at high temperature.     

Synergistic effect of hybrid Himalayan Nettle/Bauhinia-vahlii fibers on physico-mechanical and sliding wear properties of epoxy composites

The cellulosic bast fibers are recognized as a justifiable and biodegradable substitute for producing moderate strength polymer composite materials because of their characteristics of renewability, eco-friendliness, and higher specific strength. Hence the aim of this research work is to fabricate Himalayan bast fibers (Nettle fiber (NF)/bauhinia vahlii fiber (BF)) based mono/hybrid epoxy composites at varying weight percentage of 2–6 wt% and evaluate the physical (void fraction and water absorption), mechanical (tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness) and sliding wear properties of as-fabricated composites. The 6 wt% NBF reinforced composites exhibited higher mechanical properties as compared to NF and BF composites with tensile strength of 34.04 MPa, flexural strength of 42.45 MPa, and hardness of 37.01 H_v respectively. The influence of various control factors (sliding velocity, NF/BF/NBF contents, normal load and sliding distance) on specific sliding wear rate of composites was evaluated by Taguchi (three factors at three levels) experimental design and the percentage contribution of these selected parameters on sliding wear performance was examined by Analysis of variance (ANOVA). The sliding wear property of as-developed composites was found to be greatly influenced by sliding velocity and the wear resistance was observed to be improved with the NF/BF/NBF contents. The wear mechanism of the as-fabricated composites has been elucidated by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The research outcomes demonstrated that the hybridization of Bauhinia vahlii fiber with Nettle fiber led to improve the mechanical and wear properties of epoxy composites.     

低速冲击下玻璃钢/钢复合结构损伤特性实验研究

考虑基体材料的不同增韧特性,针对两种不同的玻纤织物增强复合材料/钢复合结构进行低速冲击实验,采用超声波探伤仪对玻璃钢损伤区域进行了探测.结果表明,采用增韧基体的玻璃钢/钢复合结构在低速冲击下玻璃钢层的抗冲击能力更强,相同能量冲击下的损伤面积更小;损伤面积近似呈正方形分布,正方形对角线与纤维方向一致.     

C/SiC复合材料残余应力的电火花小孔法测定研究

进行了C/SiC复合材料残余应力的小孔法表征.基于现有小孔法的不足以及材料的较好电导率,提出了电火花打孔法的残余应力测量方法,建立了相应的残余应力测量流程.进行了不同平整表面样品的残余应力测量.结果表明电火花打孔法具有较好的区分性,也表明C/SiC复合材料具有较小的本征残余应力和机加工应力,这说明:C/SiC复合材料作为反射镜材料具有很好的面形稳定性的优势.     

B4C/Al复合板中应力波行为分析（Ⅰ）

依据7.62mm穿甲燃烧弹与B4C,Al板的物理和力学特性,提出弹、板的力学模型;在此基础上,给出弹板碰撞后B4C/Al复合板的弹性动力学方程,建立应力波的传播模型,讨论了应力波传播时复合板的力学行为,最后确定了复合板承受的初始冲击应力。理论分析表明：一维应变条件的B4C和Al板的弹性极限高于一维应力条件下的值;弹、板间的作用力服从指数衰减规律;B4C板的初始应力高于430MPa时,应力波的作用使Al板在卸载过程中发生反向屈服。     

整体缝合夹芯结构复合材料力学性能

所设计的新型整体缝合泡沫夹芯复合材料结构,能够避免一般斜缝方式引起纤维交叉损坏的弊端。采用真空导入模塑工艺制备整体缝合泡沫夹芯结构复合材料,研究缝合结构、缝合方式以及缝合纱线用量对整体缝合泡沫夹芯复合材料平压力学性能和弯曲性能的影响。结果表明,新型缝合结构在保证平压力学性能的同时,相比于垂直缝合结构弯曲破坏载荷提高了94.4%;穿透缝合方式能够显著提高试样的平压强度和弯曲破坏载荷;随着缝合纱线用量的增加,整体缝合泡沫夹芯复合材料的压缩和弯曲性能显著提高。     

含孔洞铜板复合材料修复疲劳寿命数值分析

用ANSYS有限元软件对复合材料修复含中心圆孔钢板的疲劳寿命进行了数值分析。研究了孔洞大小、补片长度、宽度和厚度对钢板疲劳寿命的影响;分析了复合材料胶接修补的效果,并对修复所用的复合材料补片的大小及厚度进行了优化设计。研究结果表明,利用复合材料胶接修补带中心圆孔的钢板可以使其疲劳性能提高1.6~18倍。修补时,增加补片宽度和厚度都可增加结构疲劳寿命;补片宽度为孔径8倍以上时,增加宽度对疲劳寿命影响不大;补片的长度为孔径的3~4倍时,修复效果最佳。