Publication: Predicting the ballistic impact resistance of unidirectional fiber-reinforced polymer composites
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Date
2024-07-10
Authors
Lucas Gene, Toh Xian Rui
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Abstract
This study investigates the ballistic performance and impact damage mechanisms of unidirectional fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) subjected to various impact angles. Using numerical simulations with ABAQUS, the effect of projectile impact angle on damage patterns, residual velocities, and energy absorption capacities were analyzed. The target specimens are E-glass/epoxy laminates with [0/90/0/90/0/90] fiber orientations. Residual velocity analysis indicates that higher impact angles enhance energy absorption and dissipation, optimizing the protective performance of the composite material. Specifically, the 70° angle shows the lowest residual velocity and highest energy absorption efficiency. Matrix tension damage is identified as the most significant form of damage, predominantly in the impacted plies, followed by fiber tension damage. The intensity of shear damage correlates with the initiation and propagation of delamination, particularly under oblique impacts. As the impact angle increases, the overall damage area increases due to greater interaction between the projectile and the composite plate, while the intensity of the damage near the impact point decreases. However, this increase in damage area is not significantly pronounced. The findings reveal that the 45° impact angle offers the best balance of stress distribution and energy dissipation, resulting in the least severe damage compared to 0° and 70° angles. These insights are crucial for optimizing the design and performance of composite materials in high-impact applications, ensuring improved durability and resistance.