Finite element analysis of projectile nose shapes in ballistic perforation of 2D plain woven Kevlar/epoxy composites using multi-scale modelling

The present research deals with the finite element analysis (FEA) considering high strength Kevlar/epoxy composites as a target plate subjected to ballistic impact by varying nose-shaped projectiles. A multi-scale modelling technique has been implemented with FEA to design the intricate weave architecture. The damage properties are adopted using a user-defined function in the explicit analysis. The proposed methodology is validated by the available literature. The conical-shaped projectiles will have more damage and penetration as compared to the flat projectiles, which are studied for two plate thickness. The conical 60° and conical 90° projectiles will have better penetration to the target plate even for the increased thickness, whereas the Conical 120° and Flat projectiles will have a significant reduction in residual velocities. Also, with the increment in thickness, the energy absorption will significantly increase for Flat projectiles as compared to the conical projectiles. For lower velocities, the yarn slippage and puncturing are the major factors of failure along with fiber breakage and matrix cracking. As the velocities increased, the dominant phenomena of failure will be the linear momentum transfer.