The Effect of in-Plane Properties on the Ballistic Response of Polyethylene Composites

Abstract

Using developed experimental and analytical methods for in-plane shear characterization of quasi-statically loaded polyethylene laminates, this work seeks to evaluate the effect the in-plane shear behavior has on ballistic performance (resistance to penetration and back face deflection). In-plane shear is a matrix-dominated phenomena and processing pressure is known to influence noticeable changes in the shear properties of polyethylene composites, so by varying matrix materials and processing conditions it is possible to probe an array of configurations. Quasi-static tensile tests of laminates with [±45°] orientation are performed to obtain the in-plane shear properties. To evaluate the ballistic response, a high pressure helium laboratory gas gun is used to accelerate 0.22 caliber spherical steel projectiles toward specimen panels to characterize the V₅₀ ballistic limit velocity and back-face deflection.