Experimental AFM images have shown that the structure of polyethylene (PE) is porous at the fibril length scale where the length and the diameter of existing voids are in the order of 1 µm and 0.1 µm, respectively. However, the effects of voids on…
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is commonly utilized for ballistic protection due to its high strength to weight ratio. Commercially available UHMWPE sheet-stock is comprised of aligned fibers or films embedded in a thermoplastic polymer matrix. Fiber based UHMWPE sheet-stock typically consists of four…
Hard ballistic soft laminates (HBSLs) made from ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers and polyurethane (PU) matrix show higher ballistic protection per unit areal weight. Even though the damage mechanisms of soft-laminates are significantly different than inorganic fiber reinforced composites, penetration resistance and perforation…
Oblique ballistic impact into fiber-based composites has not been a topic for intensive research thus far, but recently is receiving more attention in applications. In this presentation, we want to present the results of experimental investigations and numerical simulations on oblique impact of two…
The embedded finite element technique provides a unique approach for modeling of fiber-reinforced composites. Meshing fibers as distinct bundles represented by truss elements embedded in a matrix material mesh allows for the assignment of more specific material properties for each component rather than homogenization…