High-Velocity Impact Behavior of Aramid/S2-Glass Interply Hybrid Laminates

This work investigates the effect of hybridization and stacking sequence on the ballistic impact response of S2-glass/aramid/epoxy laminates. Different laminates were manufactured by vacuum infusion, one with only aramid fabrics (12 layers, K-12), two with only S2-glass fabrics (12 or 18 layers, Gl(12) and Gl(18)) and five interply hybrids (Gl(3)K(9), [GlK](6), K(6)Gl(6), Gl(6)K(6), Gl(9)K(3)). Ballistic tests were performed according to EN1522- FB3, with the .357 Magnum FMJ projectile. The ballistic curves were determined to obtain the ballistic limit velocity (V-BL), and in-plane damage area and through-the-thickness damage were analyzed. For the impact at 430 m/s, all laminates were perforated, and the Gl(18) exhibited greater specific absorbed energy (26.6 J.m(2)/kg), with lower thickness and in-plane damage than the K-12 (22.6 J.m(2)/kg) with a similar areal density (approximate to 0.77 g/cm(2)). No significant differences in ballistic limits (pairing effect) were observed for the [GlK](6), Gl(6)K(6) and K(6)Gl(6) hybrids, and the Gl(3)K(9) hybrid exhibited a positive hybrid effect. The areal density of laminates has shown a great influence on the final ballistic response. The results have shown that hybridization of aramid composites with S2-glass may enhance the impact absorption capability of hard composite armors, however, the ballistic limit velocity, which is a crucial parameter to assess ballistic shield performance, reduced.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effect of hybridization and stacking sequence on the ballistic impact response of S2-glass/aramid/epoxy laminates, showing that areal density, thickness, and damage area have a significant influence on the final ballistic response.