Feasibility of Low Cost Fabrication of Lightweight, Protective Structures using Thermoplastic Matrix Composites
Abstract
An investigation has been carried out into the low cost fabrication of lightweight thermoplastic composites for ballistic protection. Panels have been manufactured over a range of conditions using lightweight ballistic reinforcement, interleaved with polymer films. The ease of production is promising, and even at relatively low molding pressures and times the panels are well consolidated. Quasi-static penetrative tests were carried out using a Fragment Simulating Projectile (FSP) and have established correlation with other studies in terms of the mechanism of failure during penetration. Energy absorbance shows some relation to molding parameters although further testing would be required to draw any substantial conclusions. Cone formation and back-face deformation was also observed for S2-glass/LDPE panels and has been reported in the literature as being one of the major methods of energy absorption. Ballistic evaluation is still to be carried out on such panels, but following completion of the data set an appendix will be issued with results and discussion updated appropriately.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA400326
Entities
People
- A. M. Manwaring
- C. D. Rudd
- Rebekah Brooks
Organizations
- University of Nottingham