Analysis of Ballistic Impact Performance and Shear Effect on Elastomeric and Thermoset Composites

Abstract

This study proposes a new theoretical model for high-velocity impact in two kinds of targets, Kevlar/elastomer and Kevlar/epoxy composites, and comprehensively discusses and compares these. In this analysis, with the aid of hyperelasticity theory, energy absorption equations are derived based on the linear and nonlinear behavior of constituents to assess the dependence of the ballistic limit on the interaction of the first, second, third, and fourth layers of the laminate on each other. Furthermore, to investigate the matrix effect on the in-plane shear, tensile tests were performed at [Formula: see text] direction for both Kevlar/elastomer and Kevlar/epoxy composite laminates. The results indicate that the adhesion of Kevlar fibers to the rubber matrix is more substantial than their adhesion to the epoxy matrix, increasing the failure shear strain of elastomeric composites and reducing the debonding between the fiber and the matrix which led to greater ballistic velocity. The results of the experimental tests verified the proposed model and confirmed its precision. With this verified model, the thickness effect on the ballistic behavior of the targets was investigated.