Two-Dimensional FE Simulation of Impact Loading on Alumina Matrix Nanocomposite Reinforced by Dyneema® HB25 Laminates

Abstract

AbstractPerforation process of a novel ceramic/composite panel including alumina-silicon carbide (Al2O3-SiC) nanocomposite as the front plate and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene laminated composite (Dyneema® HB25) as the back-up impacted by a tip tapered penetrator has been analyzed based on LS-Dyna and HyperMesh codes. In order to balance the competing requirements posed by thickness, weight, cost and performance, a finite element (FE) simulation has been developed with well-developed material models. A two-dimensional, dynamic-explicit and Lagrangian model has been considered. The perforation process has been investigated for three different thicknesses of the ceramic plate. The Johnson-Cook, Johnson-Holmquist and Orthotropic-Elastic material models have been used for the penetrator, ceramic, and composite, respectively. The FE results, which have a good agreement with available experimental data, show that with the increase in the ceramic thickness, ceramic's fracture conoid as well as elasto-plastic deformation of fibers increase while fiber breakage and dishing of the composite layers diminish. In addition to saving cost and time, the FE simulation results can be useful as a fairly accurate prediction tool for the designing of lightweight body protective panels with desired impact resistance performance and eligible blunt trauma of the back-up.