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%.     

Performance study of jute-epoxy composites/sandwiches under normal ballistic impact

This study is undertaken to explore the use of natural fiber Jute-epoxy (JE), Jute-epoxy-rubber (JRE) sandwich composite for ballistic energy absorption. Energy absorbed and residual velocities for these composites are evaluated analytically and through Finite Element Analysis (FEA). FE analysis of JE plates is carried out for different thicknesses (3, 5, 10 and 15 mm). JE plates and JRE sandwiches having the same thickness (15 mm) are fabricated and tested to measure residual velocity and energy absorbed. The analytical results are found to agree well with the results of FE analysis with a maximum error of 9%. The study on JE composite plate reveals that thickness influences the energy absorption. Experimental and FE analysis study showed that JRE sandwiches have better energy absorption than JE plates. Energy absorption of a JRE sandwich is about 71% greater than JE plates. Damages obtained from FEA and testing are in good agreement. SEM analysis confirms composites failed by fiber rupture and fragmentation.     

Effect of nano powder (Al2O3-CaO) addition on the mechanical properties of the polymer blend matrix composite

This work describes the preparation and study of the properties of composite nanoparticles prepared by the sol-gel method which consists of two materials (Al₂O₃-CaO), and study the effect of these nanoparticles on the mechanical behavior of a polymer blend (EP 4% + 96% UPE). The powder was evaluated by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy analysis (SEM), particle size analysis, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The mechanical behavior of the composite material was assessed by tensile test, bending test and hardness test. The evaluation results of the composite nanoparticles showed good distribution of the chemical composition between aluminum oxide and calcium oxide, smoothness in particles' size at calcination in high and low temperatures, formation of different shapes of nanoparticles and different (kappa and gamma) phases of the Al₂O₃ particles. The results of mechanical behavior tests showed marked improvement in the mechanical properties of the resulted composite material, especially at 1.5%, compared with polymer blend material without nano powder addition. The tensile properties improved about (24 and 14.9) % and bending resistance about (23.5 and 16.8) % and hardness by (25 and 22) % when adding particles of size (63.8 and 68.6) respectively. Therefore, this reflects the efficiency of the proposed method to manufacture the nanocomposite powder and the possibility of using this powder as a strengthening material for the composite materials and using these composite materials in bio applications, especially in the fabrication of artificial limbs.     

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.     

Protection of armoured vehicles against chemical,biological and radiological contamination

The article presents problems related to mechanical protection of vehicles with different add-on armours against chemical,biological and radiological contamination.This applies to vehicles with additional passive,reactive and hybrid protection in the form of cassettes against piercing with anti-tank pro-jectiles,piercing with their kinetic energy of impact,and as a result of chemical energy of shaped charges as well as explosively formed projectiles.It has been shown how increased ballistic protection of these vehicles at the same time reduces their decontaminability in various places of the vehicle due to the increased additional surface of the vehicle with cassettes.Prevention of contamination of these cassettes has been presented as a way of reducing hard to reach surface for decontamination and a method of insulating construction elements(stands),fixing these cassettes to the vehicle,from the environment to prevent contact with contaminated liquids and dusts.The selection of appropriate materials is shown,which may affect the improvement of the decontamination efficiency of the vehicle with such cassettes.This applies to the use of materials with low absorption of chemical warfare agents,which prevent the accumulation of large amounts of these agents on contaminated surfaces and improve the effectiveness of decontamination.It also shows how to ensure better access of the disinfectant to as much of the vehicle surface as possible,covered with cassettes that have been contaminated.It shows how a vehicle,in particular with such cassettes,can provide protection against radar detection when Radar Absorbent Material is used on vehicle cassettes.     

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.     

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.     

Ballistic response of armour plates using Generative Adversarial Networks

It is important to understand how ballistic materials respond to impact from projectiles such that informed decisions can be made in the design process of protective armour systems. Ballistic testing is a standards-based process where materials are tested to determine whether they meet protection, safety and performance criteria. For the V₅₀ ballistic test, projectiles are fired at different velocities to determine a key design parameter known as the ballistic limit velocity (BLV), the velocity above which projectiles perforate the target. These tests, however, are destructive by nature and as such there can be considerable associated costs, especially when studying complex armour materials and systems. This study proposes a unique solution to the problem using a recent class of machine learning system known as the Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). The GAN can be used to generate new ballistic samples as opposed to performing additional destructive experiments. A GAN network architecture is tested and trained on three different ballistic data sets, and their performance is compared. The trained networks were able to successfully produce ballistic curves with an overall RMSE of between 10 and 20 % and predicted the V₅₀ BLV in each case with an error of less than 5 %. The results demonstrate that it is possible to train generative networks on a limited number of ballistic samples and use the trained network to generate many new samples representative of the data that it was trained on. The paper spotlights the benefits that generative networks can bring to ballistic applications and provides an alternative to expensive testing during the early stages of the design process.     

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.     

Experimental study on explosion dispersion process of a multi-layer composite charge under different initiation modes

The influence of initiation modes on the explosive dispersion process of the multi-layer composite charge (MCC) was studied. Overpressure sensors and high-speed photography system were used to investigate the energy release process of an MCC with a specific structure. The shock wave pressure and explosive dispersion characteristics of the MCC under different initiation modes were compared. The forming and expanding process of the shock wave of the composite charge under different initiation modes was determined. The separation position of the shock wave and fireball interface was determined. The calculation formulas of the shock radius and overpressure of the composite charge are presented. The radius of the shock wave of the composite charge was significantly affected by the initiation mode. Moreover, the development process of the composite explosive fireball under different initiation modes was analyzed, the variation rules of the composite charge dispersion radius and fireball dispersion velocity with time were obtained under the different initiation modes, the explosion energy release rate of composite charge under simultaneous initiation modes was the highest, and the peak overpressure under the simultaneous initiation mode was 1.61 times that of central single-point initiation.     

T300和JC2#纤维增强C/SiC复合材料力学性能对比

以聚碳硅烷(PCS)为先驱体,采用聚合物浸渍裂解法(PIP)分别制备得到T300碳纤维和JC2#碳纤维增强C/SiC复合材料。JC2#C/SiC复合材料具有优异的力学性能,抗弯强度和断裂韧性分别达到662MPa和19.5MPa.m1/2;T300 C/SiC复合材料表现出低强度、高脆性,其抗弯强度和断裂韧性不足前者的四分之一。T300 C/SiC复合材料低性能的根本原因在于T300纤维在PCS裂解过程中性能严重下降,复合材料中纤维与基体间存在强界面结合是另一个影响因素。     

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.     

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.     

添加SiC微粉对硅树脂先驱体转化3D Cf/Si-O-C材料性能的影响

以三维碳纤维织物和廉价的硅树脂为原料,采用先驱体转化工艺制备3D G/Si-O-C材料,考察了浸渍液中添加SiC填料对材料微观结构、力学性能和抗氧化性能影响.结果表明:添加适量的SiC填料有助于减少基体孔隙,改善界面结合,从而提高材料的力学性能;而SiC含量过高时,容易在材料内部形成闭孔,从而导致材料力学性能下降.当SiC微粉含量为18.2%时,材料具有最好的力学性能,弯曲强度和断裂韧度分别为421.3MPa和13.0 MPa·m1/2;而材料的抗氧化性能随着SiC微粉含量的增加而增加,当SiC微粉含量为25.0%时,材料的弯曲强度保留率最高,达到了89.5%.     

Ballistic impact properties of woven bamboo- woven E-glass- unsaturated polyester hybrid composites

In this study, a laminated woven bamboo/woven E glass/unsaturated polyester composite is developed to combat a ballistic impact from bullet under shooting test. The aim of this study is to understand the fundamental effects of the woven bamboo arrangement towards increasing ballistic resistance properties. The work focusses on the ballistic limit test known as NIJ V50, which qualifies materials to be registered for use in combat armor panels. The results show that the composites withstood 482.5 m/s ± 5 limit of bullet velocity, satisfying the NIJ test at level II. The findings give a strong sound basis decision to engineers whether or not green composites are qualified to replace synthetic composites in certain engineering applications.     

纤维缠绕复合材料约束球形浮力芯材准静态压缩吸能机制

针对海洋工程平台的防护吸能和浮力储备需求,设计一种纤维缠绕复合材料约束球形浮力芯材吸能结构。为分析其变形损伤特征和能量耗散机理,通过ABAQUS有限元软件和万能材料试验机开展数值模拟分析和试验验证研究。通过力学响应特征和损伤破坏模式分析可知,结构吸能设计的关键在于表层和芯材的泊松比匹配。芯材主要通过塑性压缩损伤和剪切断裂破坏吸收能量,而表层吸能则主要通过环向的花瓣形拉伸断裂破坏。研究表明,该型结构单元压缩吸能特性优异,可实现海洋工程结构平台的防护吸能和浮力储备要求。     

Burning characteristics of high density foamed GAP/CL-20 propellants

The monolithic foamed propellants with high densities were prepared by casting and two-step foaming processes. Glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) and isocyanate were used as the binder system and 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW, CL-20) was employed as the energetic component. The newly designed formulation containing 60 % CL-20 produced a force constant of 1077 J/g and low flame temperature of 2817 K. Two foamed propellants with densities of 1.32 g/cm³ and 1.53 g/cm³ were fabricated by a confined foaming process and examined by closed bomb tests. The results revealed that porosity significantly affects burning performance. A size effect on combustion behaviors was observed for the foamed propellant with 5.56 % porosity, and a double-hump progressive dynamic vivacity curve was obtained. At last, the 30 mm gun test was carried out to demonstrate the interior ballistic performance, and the muzzle velocity increased by 120 m/s at the same maximum chamber pressure when monolithic propellant was added in the charge.     

纤维缠绕复合材料夹芯圆柱体高应变率压缩吸能机理

为研究纤维缠绕复合材料夹芯圆柱体吸能元件在高应变率冲击压缩载荷作用下的变形损伤模式和能量吸收机理,采用ABAQUS商用有限元软件和分离式Hopkinson压杆装置开展数值模拟分析和试验验证研究。对比分析宏观力学响应规律和微观损伤破坏机理,可知吸能结构元件在高应变率压缩载荷下的力学响应具有典型的弹塑性特征,内部芯材主要产生压缩塑性损伤,而表层复合材料沿环向产生拉伸断裂破坏。研究表明,该吸能元件冲击压缩吸能特性优异,可满足水下结构平台的冲击防护和浮力储备要求。     

陶瓷基复合装甲防12.7mm穿甲燃烧弹的靶试研究（Ⅰ）

基于对材料特性和防弹机理的认识,设计了由Al2O3陶瓷、616装甲钢和高强PE材料构成的陶瓷基复合装甲板,并用现役127.mm穿甲燃烧弹进行靶试考核,检验靶板设计思路,结果表明：防护面密度为128 kg/m2的靶板可防住该弹。     

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。