Finite Element Modeling of Fragment Penetration of Thin Structural Composite Laminates
Abstract
Fiber-reinforced composite laminates are increasingly used in tactical shelters for structural and ballistic resistance purposes to provide survivability in the field. The development of an analytical technique to predict the level of ballistic protection provided by composite laminates would greatly enhance the effective use of new materials and composite design concepts. The first stage of the effort involves using the finite element code DYNA3 to macromechanically model the impact, and possible penetration, of a composite shelter wall by fragments from conventional bomb bursts. The model accommodates fragments of different material, shape, grain size and velocity, and composite walls of different material, ply orientation, areal density and volume fractions. Input models for fragments and composite laminates, having layup and material configuration similar to experimental models, have been run. Plots of ballistic limit versus areal density for different materials and fragment grain sizes have been obtained and compared with experimental results. Parametric studies, measuring the effects of varying input model's material properties on the ballistic limit, have also been conducted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA245069
Entities
People
- Andreas M. Blanas
Organizations
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center