A Quasi-Static Indentation Methodology for Screening Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Composites for Ballistic Performance

Abstract

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites are an attractive choice for lightweight ballistic resistant materials due to their high mass efficiency, but traditional material characterization test methods are often difficult or unsuitable for this class of materials due to their unique properties. In this effort, a custom test tool has been developed to probe material behavior under quasi-static loading conditions. This tool, which is designed for quasi-static indentation of rigidly backed composite plates, is investigated as an inexpensive and quick ranking tool for evaluating new materials and varying processing conditions. Intriguing insights into the material behavior are gleaned from the correlation of the results with select ballistic results. Results for a number of materials and various processing conditions are presented and are tied to observations of the microstructure obtained from optical microscopy.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2018
Accession Number
AD1058476

Entities

People

  • Jason Cain
  • Lionel Vargas-gonzalez
  • Mariel Gaviola

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical And Dental Materials
  • Chemistry
  • Composite Materials
  • Dielectric Polymers
  • Efficiency
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Images
  • Laminates
  • Load Cells
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Testing
  • Mechanics
  • Microscopy
  • Military Research
  • Military Standards
  • Molecular Weight
  • Observation
  • Polyethylenes
  • Resins
  • Static Tests
  • Strain Rate
  • Test Methods
  • Weight

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Systems Analysis and Design