Numerical modelling of the ballistic impact response of hybrid composite structures

This paper presents numerical modelling of the ballistic impact response of hybrid laminated structures, which are developed through combinations of ceramics, Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), Kevlar and compressed wood. It is, for the first time, to embed the compressed wood in the ballistic panel and numerically investigate the impact response of the hybrid structures made of the multiple constituent materials. Different constitutive models and the related failure criteria were employed in the modelling to capture the ballistic responses of the constituent materials and hybrid structures. The numerical simulations were compared with the corresponding experimental results with acceptable correlation. The essential features of the hybrid composite structures subjected to high velocity impact were simulated by the finite element (FE) models, such as deformation and failure modes, back-face signature and the residual velocities. The FE models developed are ready to be used to assist design lightweight composite armour with optimized ballistic resistance and self-weight.