Ballistic impact analysis on the effect of layering and stacking sequence of bi-layer and multi-layer ceramic-composite targets

Abstract

In the present research, numerical simulations are performed to find the effect of layering and stacking sequence on the ballistic performance of the hybrid Al₂O₃ 95%-Kevlar 29/epoxy composite targets. A three-dimensional simulation model incorporating Al₂O₃ 95% ceramic, Kevlar 29/epoxy, and deformable 4340 steel projectiles is validated by comparing its predictions of projectile residual velocity and target damage patterns against experimental results from ballistic impact tests. Subsequently, the validated simulation model is employed to assess and compare the ballistic response of different bi-layer and multi-layer configurations of Al₂O₃ 95%-Kevlar 29/epoxy targets subjected to impact by an ogive-nosed cylindrical projectile. In addition, energy dissipation and absorption by different system components are compared for each target configuration. The finite element analysis also depicts the progressive damage mode of different target configurations. It is found that the ballistic performance of the target is a function of its different layer arrangements. The use of multiple layers in a ceramic-composite target is less effective in stopping an ogive-nosed projectile compared to a bi-layer ceramic-composite target of the same total thickness.