Material and structure made by additive manufacturing(AM)have received much attention lately due to their flexibility and ability to customize complex structures.This study first implements multiple objective topology...Material and structure made by additive manufacturing(AM)have received much attention lately due to their flexibility and ability to customize complex structures.This study first implements multiple objective topology optimization simulations based on a projectile perforation model,and a new topologic projectile is obtained.Then two types of 316L stainless steel projectiles(the solid and the topology)are printed in a selective laser melt(SLM)machine to evaluate the penetration performance of the projectiles by the ballistic test.The experiment results show that the dimensionless specific kinetic energy value of topologic projectiles is higher than that of solid projectiles,indicating the better penetration ability of the topologic projectiles.Finally,microscopic studies(scanning electron microscope and X-ray micro-CT)are performed on the remaining projectiles to investigate the failure mechanism of the internal structure of the topologic projectiles.An explicit dynamics simulation was also performed,and the failure locations of the residual topologic projectiles were in good agreement with the experimental results,which can better guide the design of new projectiles combining AM and topology optimization in the future.展开更多
Machine learning(ML) is well suited for the prediction of high-complexity,high-dimensional problems such as those encountered in terminal ballistics.We evaluate the performance of four popular ML-based regression mode...Machine learning(ML) is well suited for the prediction of high-complexity,high-dimensional problems such as those encountered in terminal ballistics.We evaluate the performance of four popular ML-based regression models,extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost),artificial neural network(ANN),support vector regression(SVR),and Gaussian process regression(GP),on two common terminal ballistics’ problems:(a)predicting the V50ballistic limit of monolithic metallic armour impacted by small and medium calibre projectiles and fragments,and(b) predicting the depth to which a projectile will penetrate a target of semi-infinite thickness.To achieve this we utilise two datasets,each consisting of approximately 1000samples,collated from public release sources.We demonstrate that all four model types provide similarly excellent agreement when interpolating within the training data and diverge when extrapolating outside this range.Although extrapolation is not advisable for ML-based regression models,for applications such as lethality/survivability analysis,such capability is required.To circumvent this,we implement expert knowledge and physics-based models via enforced monotonicity,as a Gaussian prior mean,and through a modified loss function.The physics-informed models demonstrate improved performance over both classical physics-based models and the basic ML regression models,providing an ability to accurately fit experimental data when it is available and then revert to the physics-based model when not.The resulting models demonstrate high levels of predictive accuracy over a very wide range of projectile types,target materials and thicknesses,and impact conditions significantly more diverse than that achievable from any existing analytical approach.Compared with numerical analysis tools such as finite element solvers the ML models run orders of magnitude faster.We provide some general guidelines throughout for the development,application,and reporting of ML models in terminal ballistics problems.展开更多
The primary goal of this study is to develop cost-effective shield materials that offer effective protection against high-velocity ballistic impact and electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding capabilities through a...The primary goal of this study is to develop cost-effective shield materials that offer effective protection against high-velocity ballistic impact and electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding capabilities through absorption.Six fiber-reinforced epoxy composite panels,each with a different fabric material and stacking sequence,have been fabricated using a hand-layup vacuum bagging process.Two panels made of Kevlar and glass fibers,referred to as(K-NIJ)and(G-NIJ),have been tested according to the National Institute of Justice ballistic resistance protective materials test NIJ 0108.01 Standard-Level IIIA(9 mm×19 mm FMJ 124 g)test.Three panels,namely,a hybrid of Kevlar and glass(H-S),glass with ceramic particles(C-S),and glass with recycled rubber(R-S)have been impacted by the bullet at the center,while the fourth panel made of glass fiber(G-S)has been impacted at the side.EMI shielding properties have been measured in the X-band frequency range via the reflection-transmission method.Results indicate that four panels(K-NIJ,G-NIJ,H-S,and G-S)are capable of withstanding high-velocity impact by stopping the bullet from penetrating through the panels while maintaining their structural integrity.However,under such conditions,these panels may experience localized delamination with variable severity.The EMI measurements reveal that the highest absorptivity observed is 88% for the KNIJ panel at 10.8 GHz,while all panels maintain an average absorptivity above 65%.All panels act as a lossy medium with a peak absorptivity at different frequencies,with K-NIJ and H-S panels demonstrating the highest absorptivity.In summary,the study results in the development of a novel,costeffective,multifunctional glass fiber epoxy composite that combines ballistic and electromagnetic interference shielding properties.The material has been developed using a simple manufacturing method and exhibits remarkable ballistic protection that outperforms Kevlar in terms of shielding efficiency;no bullet penetration or back face signature is observed,and it also demonstrates high EMI shielding absorption.Overall,the materials developed show great promise for various applications,including the military and defense.展开更多
This study systematically examines the energy dissipation mechanisms and ballistic characteristics of foam sandwich panels(FSP)under high-velocity impact using the explicit non-linear finite element method.Based on th...This study systematically examines the energy dissipation mechanisms and ballistic characteristics of foam sandwich panels(FSP)under high-velocity impact using the explicit non-linear finite element method.Based on the geometric topology of the FSP system,three FSP configurations with the same areal density are derived,namely multi-layer,gradient core and asymmetric face sheet,and three key structural parameters are identified:core thickness(t_(c)),face sheet thickness(t_(f))and overlap face/core number(n_(o)).The ballistic performance of the FSP system is comprehensively evaluated in terms of the ballistic limit velocity(BLV),deformation modes,energy dissipation mechanism,and specific penetration energy(SPE).The results show that the FSP system exhibits a significant configuration dependence,whose ballistic performance ranking is:asymmetric face sheet>gradient core>multi-layer.The mass distribution of the top and bottom face sheets plays a critical role in the ballistic resistance of the FSP system.Both BLV and SPE increase with tf,while the raising tcor noleads to an increase in BLV but a decrease in SPE.Further,a face-core synchronous enhancement mechanism is discovered by the energy dissipation analysis,based on which the ballistic optimization procedure is also conducted and a design chart is established.This study shed light on the anti-penetration mechanism of the FSP system and might provide a theoretical basis for its engineering application.展开更多
This paper is investigating the use of composite armour reinforced by nanomaterials, for the protection of light armoured(LAV) and medium armoured military vehicles(MAV), and the interaction between the composite mate...This paper is investigating the use of composite armour reinforced by nanomaterials, for the protection of light armoured(LAV) and medium armoured military vehicles(MAV), and the interaction between the composite materials and high-performance ballistic projectiles. Four armour materials, consisted of front hybrid fibre reinforced polymer cover layer, ceramic strike-face, fibre reinforced polymer intermediate layer and the metal matrix composite reinforced backplate, were manufactured and assembled by adhesive technology. The proposed laminated protection system is suitable for armoured ground vehicles;however, it could be used as armour on ground, air and naval platforms. The design of the protection system, including material selection and thickness, was elaborated depending on the performance requirements of Level 4 + STANAG 4569 military standard(projectile 14.5 mm × 114 mm API B32) and especially on a design philosophy which is analysed with the specifications. The backplate of this new composite is a hybrid material of Metal Matrix Composite(MMC) reinforced with carbon nanotubes(CNTs), manufactured with the use of powder metallurgy technique. The composite backplate material was morphologically, mechanically and chemically analysed. Results show that all plates are presenting high mechanical properties and ballistic characteristics, compared to commonly used armour plates. Real military ballistic tests according to AEP-STANAG 4569 were carried out for the total composite armour systems. After the ballistic tests, AA2024-CNT3 showed the best protection results, compared with the other plates(AA2024-CNT1 and AA2024-CNT2), with the projectile being unable to fully penetrate the composite plate.展开更多
To enhance the comprehensive performance of artillery internal ballistics—encompassing power,accuracy,and service life—this study proposed a multi-stage multidisciplinary design optimization(MS-MDO)method.First,the ...To enhance the comprehensive performance of artillery internal ballistics—encompassing power,accuracy,and service life—this study proposed a multi-stage multidisciplinary design optimization(MS-MDO)method.First,the comprehensive artillery internal ballistic dynamics(AIBD)model,based on propellant combustion,rotation band engraving,projectile axial motion,and rifling wear models,was established and validated.This model was systematically decomposed into subsystems from a system engineering perspective.The study then detailed the MS-MDO methodology,which included Stage I(MDO stage)employing an improved collaborative optimization method for consistent design variables,and Stage II(Performance Optimization)focusing on the independent optimization of local design variables and performance metrics.The methodology was applied to the AIBD problem.Results demonstrated that the MS-MDO method in Stage I effectively reduced iteration and evaluation counts,thereby accelerating system-level convergence.Meanwhile,Stage II optimization markedly enhanced overall performance.These comprehensive evaluation results affirmed the effectiveness of the MS-MDO method.展开更多
To accelerate the practicality of electromagnetic railguns,it is necessary to use a combination of threedimensional numerical simulation and experiments to study the mechanism of bore damage.In this paper,a three-dime...To accelerate the practicality of electromagnetic railguns,it is necessary to use a combination of threedimensional numerical simulation and experiments to study the mechanism of bore damage.In this paper,a three-dimensional numerical model of the augmented railgun with four parallel unconventional rails is introduced to simulate the internal ballistic process and realize the multi-physics field coupling calculation of the rail gun,and a test experiment of a medium-caliber electromagnetic launcher powered by pulse formation network(PFN)is carried out.Various test methods such as spectrometer,fiber grating and high-speed camera are used to test several parameters such as muzzle initial velocity,transient magnetic field strength and stress-strain of rail.Combining the simulation results and experimental data,the damage condition of the contact surface is analyzed.展开更多
In this paper,the numerical simulation method is used to study the ballistic performances of hourglass lattice sandwich structures with the same mass under the vertical incidence of fragments.Attention is paid to eluc...In this paper,the numerical simulation method is used to study the ballistic performances of hourglass lattice sandwich structures with the same mass under the vertical incidence of fragments.Attention is paid to elucidating the influences of rod cross-section dimensions,structure height,structure layer,and rod inclination angle on the deformation mode,ballistic performances,and ability to change the ballistic direction of fragments.The results show that the ballistic performances of hourglass lattice sandwich structures are mainly affected by their structural parameters.In this respect,structural parameters optimization of the hourglass lattice sandwich structures enable one to effectively improve their ballistic limit velocity and,consequently,ballistic performances.展开更多
As one of the most widely used personal protective equipment(PPE),body armors play an important role in protecting the human body from the high-velocity impact of bullets or projectiles.The body torso and critical org...As one of the most widely used personal protective equipment(PPE),body armors play an important role in protecting the human body from the high-velocity impact of bullets or projectiles.The body torso and critical organs of the wear may suffer severe behind-armor blunt trauma(BABT)even though the impactor is stopped by the body armor.A type of novel composite material through incorporating shear stiffening gel(STG)into ethylene-vinyl acetate(EVA)foam is developed and used as buffer layers to reduce BABT.In this paper,the protective performance of body armors composed of fabric bulletproof layers and a buffer layer made of foam material is investigated both experimentally and numerically.The effectiveness of STG-modified EVA in damage relief is verified by ballistic tests.In parallel with the experimental study,numerical simulations are conducted by LS-DYNA®to investigate the dynamic response of each component and capture the key mechanical parameters,which are hardly obtained from field tests.To fully describe the material behavior under the transient impact,the selected constitutive models take the failure and strain rate effect into consideration.A good agreement between the experimental observations and numerical results is achieved to prove the validity of the modelling method.The tests and simulations show that the impact-induced deformation on the human body is significantly reduced by using STG-modified EVA as the buffering material.The improvement of protective performance is attributed to better dynamic properties and more outstanding energy absorption capability of the composite foam.展开更多
It has been reported that the ply gap influences the ballistic resistance of spaced multi-ply fabric systems,but its working mechanism was not well-understood. This paper reports the experimental and numerical approac...It has been reported that the ply gap influences the ballistic resistance of spaced multi-ply fabric systems,but its working mechanism was not well-understood. This paper reports the experimental and numerical approaches and results of an investigation on the mechanisms that enable the improved ballistic performance of spaced multi-ply systems. Penetration tests were performed over a range of impact velocities ranging from 200 m/s to 400 m/s. The results confirmed that the ply gap is beneficial to the energy absorption capability of the systems. This is because the front plies tend to absorb more energy when they are not immediately constrained by the rear plies. During a ballistic event, the gap relieves the reflection of the compressive pulse, prolonging the projectile engagement time with the front plies;on the other hand, the rear plies become increasingly less active in dissipating energy as the gap increases.When the gap is sufficiently widened to avoid any interference between the plies before the failure of the front ply, the responses of the whole system no longer vary. It was also found that the ballistic performance of the spaced systems is influenced by ply thickness, impact velocity, and the stacking order of the ply gap.展开更多
基金Supported by the State Key Development Program for Basic Research of China (2003CB716204) The Education Department for International Cooperation (2006029501)
基金sponsored by the National Key Research and Development Program of China[Grant Nos.2020YFC0826804 and 2022YFC3320504]the National Natural Science Foundation of China[Grant No.11772059]。
文摘Material and structure made by additive manufacturing(AM)have received much attention lately due to their flexibility and ability to customize complex structures.This study first implements multiple objective topology optimization simulations based on a projectile perforation model,and a new topologic projectile is obtained.Then two types of 316L stainless steel projectiles(the solid and the topology)are printed in a selective laser melt(SLM)machine to evaluate the penetration performance of the projectiles by the ballistic test.The experiment results show that the dimensionless specific kinetic energy value of topologic projectiles is higher than that of solid projectiles,indicating the better penetration ability of the topologic projectiles.Finally,microscopic studies(scanning electron microscope and X-ray micro-CT)are performed on the remaining projectiles to investigate the failure mechanism of the internal structure of the topologic projectiles.An explicit dynamics simulation was also performed,and the failure locations of the residual topologic projectiles were in good agreement with the experimental results,which can better guide the design of new projectiles combining AM and topology optimization in the future.
文摘Machine learning(ML) is well suited for the prediction of high-complexity,high-dimensional problems such as those encountered in terminal ballistics.We evaluate the performance of four popular ML-based regression models,extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost),artificial neural network(ANN),support vector regression(SVR),and Gaussian process regression(GP),on two common terminal ballistics’ problems:(a)predicting the V50ballistic limit of monolithic metallic armour impacted by small and medium calibre projectiles and fragments,and(b) predicting the depth to which a projectile will penetrate a target of semi-infinite thickness.To achieve this we utilise two datasets,each consisting of approximately 1000samples,collated from public release sources.We demonstrate that all four model types provide similarly excellent agreement when interpolating within the training data and diverge when extrapolating outside this range.Although extrapolation is not advisable for ML-based regression models,for applications such as lethality/survivability analysis,such capability is required.To circumvent this,we implement expert knowledge and physics-based models via enforced monotonicity,as a Gaussian prior mean,and through a modified loss function.The physics-informed models demonstrate improved performance over both classical physics-based models and the basic ML regression models,providing an ability to accurately fit experimental data when it is available and then revert to the physics-based model when not.The resulting models demonstrate high levels of predictive accuracy over a very wide range of projectile types,target materials and thicknesses,and impact conditions significantly more diverse than that achievable from any existing analytical approach.Compared with numerical analysis tools such as finite element solvers the ML models run orders of magnitude faster.We provide some general guidelines throughout for the development,application,and reporting of ML models in terminal ballistics problems.
基金the generous support from the Deanship of Research-Jordan University of Science and Technology,IrbidJordan(Grant number 318/2021)。
文摘The primary goal of this study is to develop cost-effective shield materials that offer effective protection against high-velocity ballistic impact and electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding capabilities through absorption.Six fiber-reinforced epoxy composite panels,each with a different fabric material and stacking sequence,have been fabricated using a hand-layup vacuum bagging process.Two panels made of Kevlar and glass fibers,referred to as(K-NIJ)and(G-NIJ),have been tested according to the National Institute of Justice ballistic resistance protective materials test NIJ 0108.01 Standard-Level IIIA(9 mm×19 mm FMJ 124 g)test.Three panels,namely,a hybrid of Kevlar and glass(H-S),glass with ceramic particles(C-S),and glass with recycled rubber(R-S)have been impacted by the bullet at the center,while the fourth panel made of glass fiber(G-S)has been impacted at the side.EMI shielding properties have been measured in the X-band frequency range via the reflection-transmission method.Results indicate that four panels(K-NIJ,G-NIJ,H-S,and G-S)are capable of withstanding high-velocity impact by stopping the bullet from penetrating through the panels while maintaining their structural integrity.However,under such conditions,these panels may experience localized delamination with variable severity.The EMI measurements reveal that the highest absorptivity observed is 88% for the KNIJ panel at 10.8 GHz,while all panels maintain an average absorptivity above 65%.All panels act as a lossy medium with a peak absorptivity at different frequencies,with K-NIJ and H-S panels demonstrating the highest absorptivity.In summary,the study results in the development of a novel,costeffective,multifunctional glass fiber epoxy composite that combines ballistic and electromagnetic interference shielding properties.The material has been developed using a simple manufacturing method and exhibits remarkable ballistic protection that outperforms Kevlar in terms of shielding efficiency;no bullet penetration or back face signature is observed,and it also demonstrates high EMI shielding absorption.Overall,the materials developed show great promise for various applications,including the military and defense.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.11972096,12372127 and 12202085)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant No.2022CDJQY004)+4 种基金Chongqing Natural Science Foundation(Grant No.cstc2021ycjh-bgzxm0117)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.2022M720562)Chongqing Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.2021XM3022)supported by the opening project of State Key Laboratory of Explosion Science and Technology(Beijing Institute of Technology)The opening project number is KFJJ23-18 M。
文摘This study systematically examines the energy dissipation mechanisms and ballistic characteristics of foam sandwich panels(FSP)under high-velocity impact using the explicit non-linear finite element method.Based on the geometric topology of the FSP system,three FSP configurations with the same areal density are derived,namely multi-layer,gradient core and asymmetric face sheet,and three key structural parameters are identified:core thickness(t_(c)),face sheet thickness(t_(f))and overlap face/core number(n_(o)).The ballistic performance of the FSP system is comprehensively evaluated in terms of the ballistic limit velocity(BLV),deformation modes,energy dissipation mechanism,and specific penetration energy(SPE).The results show that the FSP system exhibits a significant configuration dependence,whose ballistic performance ranking is:asymmetric face sheet>gradient core>multi-layer.The mass distribution of the top and bottom face sheets plays a critical role in the ballistic resistance of the FSP system.Both BLV and SPE increase with tf,while the raising tcor noleads to an increase in BLV but a decrease in SPE.Further,a face-core synchronous enhancement mechanism is discovered by the energy dissipation analysis,based on which the ballistic optimization procedure is also conducted and a design chart is established.This study shed light on the anti-penetration mechanism of the FSP system and might provide a theoretical basis for its engineering application.
基金the Research and Development department of EODH SA and has been co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union and Greek national funds through the Operational Program Competitiveness,Entrepreneurship and Innovation,under the call RESEARCH-CREATE-INNOVATE(project code:T1EDK-04429).
文摘This paper is investigating the use of composite armour reinforced by nanomaterials, for the protection of light armoured(LAV) and medium armoured military vehicles(MAV), and the interaction between the composite materials and high-performance ballistic projectiles. Four armour materials, consisted of front hybrid fibre reinforced polymer cover layer, ceramic strike-face, fibre reinforced polymer intermediate layer and the metal matrix composite reinforced backplate, were manufactured and assembled by adhesive technology. The proposed laminated protection system is suitable for armoured ground vehicles;however, it could be used as armour on ground, air and naval platforms. The design of the protection system, including material selection and thickness, was elaborated depending on the performance requirements of Level 4 + STANAG 4569 military standard(projectile 14.5 mm × 114 mm API B32) and especially on a design philosophy which is analysed with the specifications. The backplate of this new composite is a hybrid material of Metal Matrix Composite(MMC) reinforced with carbon nanotubes(CNTs), manufactured with the use of powder metallurgy technique. The composite backplate material was morphologically, mechanically and chemically analysed. Results show that all plates are presenting high mechanical properties and ballistic characteristics, compared to commonly used armour plates. Real military ballistic tests according to AEP-STANAG 4569 were carried out for the total composite armour systems. After the ballistic tests, AA2024-CNT3 showed the best protection results, compared with the other plates(AA2024-CNT1 and AA2024-CNT2), with the projectile being unable to fully penetrate the composite plate.
基金supported by the“National Natural Science Foundation of China”(Grant Nos.52105106,52305155)the“Jiangsu Province Natural Science Foundation”(Grant Nos.BK20210342,BK20230904)the“Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Programby CAST”(Grant No.2023JCJQQT061).
文摘To enhance the comprehensive performance of artillery internal ballistics—encompassing power,accuracy,and service life—this study proposed a multi-stage multidisciplinary design optimization(MS-MDO)method.First,the comprehensive artillery internal ballistic dynamics(AIBD)model,based on propellant combustion,rotation band engraving,projectile axial motion,and rifling wear models,was established and validated.This model was systematically decomposed into subsystems from a system engineering perspective.The study then detailed the MS-MDO methodology,which included Stage I(MDO stage)employing an improved collaborative optimization method for consistent design variables,and Stage II(Performance Optimization)focusing on the independent optimization of local design variables and performance metrics.The methodology was applied to the AIBD problem.Results demonstrated that the MS-MDO method in Stage I effectively reduced iteration and evaluation counts,thereby accelerating system-level convergence.Meanwhile,Stage II optimization markedly enhanced overall performance.These comprehensive evaluation results affirmed the effectiveness of the MS-MDO method.
文摘To accelerate the practicality of electromagnetic railguns,it is necessary to use a combination of threedimensional numerical simulation and experiments to study the mechanism of bore damage.In this paper,a three-dimensional numerical model of the augmented railgun with four parallel unconventional rails is introduced to simulate the internal ballistic process and realize the multi-physics field coupling calculation of the rail gun,and a test experiment of a medium-caliber electromagnetic launcher powered by pulse formation network(PFN)is carried out.Various test methods such as spectrometer,fiber grating and high-speed camera are used to test several parameters such as muzzle initial velocity,transient magnetic field strength and stress-strain of rail.Combining the simulation results and experimental data,the damage condition of the contact surface is analyzed.
基金supported by the Defense Industrial Technology Development Program(Grant No.JCKY2018604B004)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.11972007)。
文摘In this paper,the numerical simulation method is used to study the ballistic performances of hourglass lattice sandwich structures with the same mass under the vertical incidence of fragments.Attention is paid to elucidating the influences of rod cross-section dimensions,structure height,structure layer,and rod inclination angle on the deformation mode,ballistic performances,and ability to change the ballistic direction of fragments.The results show that the ballistic performances of hourglass lattice sandwich structures are mainly affected by their structural parameters.In this respect,structural parameters optimization of the hourglass lattice sandwich structures enable one to effectively improve their ballistic limit velocity and,consequently,ballistic performances.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12072356 and 12232020)the Science and Technology on Transient Impact Laboratory(Grant No.6142606221105)the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission(Grant No.Z221100005822006).
文摘As one of the most widely used personal protective equipment(PPE),body armors play an important role in protecting the human body from the high-velocity impact of bullets or projectiles.The body torso and critical organs of the wear may suffer severe behind-armor blunt trauma(BABT)even though the impactor is stopped by the body armor.A type of novel composite material through incorporating shear stiffening gel(STG)into ethylene-vinyl acetate(EVA)foam is developed and used as buffer layers to reduce BABT.In this paper,the protective performance of body armors composed of fabric bulletproof layers and a buffer layer made of foam material is investigated both experimentally and numerically.The effectiveness of STG-modified EVA in damage relief is verified by ballistic tests.In parallel with the experimental study,numerical simulations are conducted by LS-DYNA®to investigate the dynamic response of each component and capture the key mechanical parameters,which are hardly obtained from field tests.To fully describe the material behavior under the transient impact,the selected constitutive models take the failure and strain rate effect into consideration.A good agreement between the experimental observations and numerical results is achieved to prove the validity of the modelling method.The tests and simulations show that the impact-induced deformation on the human body is significantly reduced by using STG-modified EVA as the buffering material.The improvement of protective performance is attributed to better dynamic properties and more outstanding energy absorption capability of the composite foam.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 51708553, 12202498, 52371299,12302187)Natural Science Foundations of Jiangsu Province (Grant No. BK20210438)Knowledge Innovation Program of WuhanShuguang Project (Grant No. 202201080102)。
文摘It has been reported that the ply gap influences the ballistic resistance of spaced multi-ply fabric systems,but its working mechanism was not well-understood. This paper reports the experimental and numerical approaches and results of an investigation on the mechanisms that enable the improved ballistic performance of spaced multi-ply systems. Penetration tests were performed over a range of impact velocities ranging from 200 m/s to 400 m/s. The results confirmed that the ply gap is beneficial to the energy absorption capability of the systems. This is because the front plies tend to absorb more energy when they are not immediately constrained by the rear plies. During a ballistic event, the gap relieves the reflection of the compressive pulse, prolonging the projectile engagement time with the front plies;on the other hand, the rear plies become increasingly less active in dissipating energy as the gap increases.When the gap is sufficiently widened to avoid any interference between the plies before the failure of the front ply, the responses of the whole system no longer vary. It was also found that the ballistic performance of the spaced systems is influenced by ply thickness, impact velocity, and the stacking order of the ply gap.