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A numerical investigation into the influence of layer space on panel ballistic performance

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Abstract

It has been widely accepted that the energy absorption efficiency is lost in going from a single-ply fabric system to a multi-ply fabric system. This paper presents a detailed panel design guidance to reduce the efficiency loss. The finite element (FE) analysis was used to predict the ballistic response of multi-ply fabric systems. The FE model was created using ABAQUS® to simulate the transverse impact of a projectile onto various woven fabric panels. It was found that increasing space between the adjacent layers enabling more energy to be absorbed. Given the thickness layer space added to the panel, the spaced fabric system was further optimized using gradient layer space. Finite element predictions showed that this system exhibits superior ballistic performance over other panels with different stacking sequence. In addition, the stacking sequence of multi-ply fabric system was also investigated for its influence. Although the increase in energy absorption is achieved at the sacrifice of panel thickness, the performance improvement allows less material to be used, leading to lighter weight body armour.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Textile Science and Engineering, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, 430200, China

    Yi Zhou, Xiaozhou Gong, Shangyong Zhang & Anchang Xu

Authors
  1. Yi Zhou
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  2. Xiaozhou Gong
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  3. Shangyong Zhang
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  4. Anchang Xu
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Correspondence to Anchang Xu.

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Zhou, Y., Gong, X., Zhang, S. et al. A numerical investigation into the influence of layer space on panel ballistic performance. Fibers Polym 16, 2663–2669 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12221-015-5662-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12221-015-5662-6

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