The effect of ceramic column shape on the ballistic performance of the SiC/UHMWPE composite armor-Numerical simulation

Abstract

Abstract Composite armors are widely used in the protection of the human body and special vehicles due to their excellent ballistic performance. In this study, the ballistic impact response of SiC ceramics/Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite plate subjected to fragment simulating projectiles (FSP) is investigated numerically. The influences of the head shape of ceramic column and the impact position on the failure modes, ballistic limit velocity and energy absorption capacity are analyzed. Results show that ceramic plates have remarkable bulletproof property, and the projectiles will be smashed and plastically deform during the process of penetration. UHMWPE plates play a significant role in the energy-absorption of the composite armor against ballistic impact by experiencing the bulging deformation and delamination failure. The comparison of the ballistic limit indicates that the ballistic performance of ceramic/composite armors is associated with the head shape of the ceramic column and the impact location of the composite armor. The composite armor with flat nose ceramic columns shows superior ballistic limit over the one with flat nose ceramic columns. The findings of the present study aim to guide the design of the lightweight ceramic composite armor.