Ballistic performance of hybrid panels composed of unidirectional/woven fabrics

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of the layering sequence of unidirectional (UD)/woven fabric hybrid panels on perforation resistance (V₅₀) against a 5.56 mm fragment-simulating projectile and the blunt trauma resistance represented by the backface signature (BFS) caused by a .44 Magnum semi-jacketed hollow point projectile. Some of the woven fabric layers were impregnated with shear thickening fluid (STF) to modify their properties. When layers with a smaller in-plane constraint (neat woven fabric) were laminated behind layers with a larger in-plane constraint (UD or STF-impregnated woven fabric), an increase in perforation resistance was observed due to the decreased out-of-plane constraint. When the layering sequence was reversed, an increase in blunt trauma resistance (i.e. smaller BFS) was observed due to better coupling of yarn elongation in the frontal and rear layers.