Impact simulation and ballistic analysis of B4C composite armour based on target plate tests

Lightweight composite armour systems composed of a B4C ceramic panel and composite back panel have excellent bulletproof performance and are used to resist attacks from armour-piercing incendiary projectiles. Numerical simulations can be used to simulate the process of projectiles impacting armour; thus, this method is widely used in armour ballistic performance analyses. To verify the accuracy of the B4C material model, a finite element method based on two-dimensional smoothed particle hydrodynamics is used to simulate the penetration process of steel projectiles into B4C/Al composite armour. To verify the accuracy of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) model, a three-dimensional Lagrange method was used to simulate the penetration of a fragment simulating projectile into the UHMW-PE. The influence of geometric strain in the erosion algorithm on the ballistic performance of the UHMW-PE was investigated, and the erosion geometric strain suitable for the UHMW-PE was identified. The impact of a 12.7 mm armour-piercing incendiary projectile on the B4C/UHMW-PE and B4C/C/UHMW-PE armours was then simulated and tested experimentally. The results showed that the B4C/UHMW-PE armour was penetrated by the projectile, while the B4C/C/UHMW-PE armour was not penetrated. The ballistic performance of the B4C composite armour, damage state of the B4C ceramic, and bulge deformation of the UHMW-PE were accurately obtained in the simulations. A comparison with the experimental results showed that the proposed method could accurately simulate the penetration process of the B4C/UHMW-PE armour, reveal the penetration mechanism of composite armour, reduce the number of projectile tests, and provide a basis and technical means for the design and optimisation of lightweight composite armour.

Automated summary

This study investigated the ballistic performance of lightweight composite armour systems composed of B4C ceramic and composite back panels. Numerical simulations were used to verify the accuracy of the material models and provided a basis and technical means for the design and optimization of lightweight composite armour.