Ballistic response of polymer composites

Abstract A new microvelocity sensor unit was developed to measure the instantaneous velocity of a projectile during the penetration process. The concept of this device is based on the induced current generated in a coil resulting from the passage of a magnet. A special digital circuit was designed to yield a spatial resolution of better than 2.5 mm by elimiating the problem of signal overlap. The time delays obtained from these signals were used to determine the slowing down or energy loss of a high velocity projectile. A light gas gun was used to propel aluminum projectiles to velocities up to 320 m/s. Energy loss of these high velocity projectiles in composites reinforced with polyethylene, polyester, and graphite fabrics was investigated. Two distinct energy loss mechanisms were detected, one due to the actual fracture process and the other to the generation of frictional heat. Extensive delamination was observed in the more ductile PE and PET composites, but not in graphite. Low velocity instrumented drop‐tower impact tests were also conducted, using identical specimens and similar impact geometries.