Dynamic response mechanisms of thin UHMWPE under high-speed impact

• Published in: Thin-walled structures Vol. 205; p. 112391
• Main Authors: Wu, Yiding, Lu, Wencheng, Yu, Yilei, Ma, Minghui, Ren, Wenke, Xu, Lizhi, Gao, Guangfa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2024
• Subjects: Ballistic impact; Composites; Damage mechanism; Dimensional analysis; Energy dissipation; Composites; Ballistic impact; Energy dissipation; Dimensional analysis; Damage mechanism
• ISSN: 0263-8231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tws.2024.112391

•Investigated the dynamic response mechanisms of thin UHMWPE laminates under high-speed impact.•Analyzed energy dissipation using a validated energy model combined with experimental results.•Focused on damage mechanisms before and after the ballistic limit.•Established a dimensionless ballistic limit model applicable to various laminates. This study systematically explores the dynamic response mechanisms and energy dissipation mechanisms of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber laminated plates with thicknesses of 1.1 mm, 2.8 mm, and 5.4 mm under high-speed steel ball impacts through experimental, theoretical analysis, and dimensional analysis. By analyzing the damage mechanisms from experimental results, the main modes of energy absorption were identified, and a relatively accurate predictive model for ballistic limit speed was established. The results show that under high-speed steel ball impacts, the primary failure modes of UHMWPE fiber laminated plates are localized permanent bulging plastic deformation and perforation failure caused by compressive shear. The ballistic limit speeds for UHMWPE with thicknesses of 1.1 mm, 2.8 mm, and 5.4 mm are respectively 233.5 m/s, 415.7 m/s, and 602.9 m/s. The theoretical calculations of the energy model align well with the experimental results, indicating that as the speed increases, the proportion of tensile energy absorption gradually decreases, consistent with the observed phenomena. Near the ballistic limit, there are significant turning points in the level of energy absorption and the height of the rear bulge. The ballistic limit increases linearly with target thickness, and the unit area density energy absorption also increases continuously. Finally, this study established a dimensionless ballistic limit model considering the mechanical properties of fibers and the matrix, which through regression analysis, can accurately describe the ballistic limits of various strengths and types of fiber laminated plates, suitable for predicting the ballistic performance of various composite materials. [Display omitted]