Studies on ballistic impact of the composite panels

The ballistic impact of the composite materials is studied using the numerical models. Individual impact studies are conducted on the composite plate made-up of woven fabric CFRP, E-glass/epoxy and the Kevlarlepoxy composites. The plate is fabricated with 8 layers of equal thickness arranged in different orientations. A spherical steel projectile is considered for the high velocity impact. The projectile is placed very close to the plate, at the center and impacted with a velocity of 100 m/s. The displacement and the stress distribution in each layer are studied for the layup sequence [+45/-45/+45/-45/-45/+45/-45/+45]. The variation of the kinetic energy, the increase in the internal energy of the laminate and the decrease in velocity of the projectile with time are also studied. Based on the results, the best layup sequence for the ballistic impact of each material is suggested. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.