Numerical Analysis of Energy Absorption Mechanism in Multi-ply Fabric Impacts

The energy analysis method was employed for the understanding of impact behavior of multi-ply plain-woven fabric considering the energy of a projectile. A three-element viscoelastic model was used to describe the dynamic behavior of fibers. Yarn slippage on the warp-weft crossover points was considered by updating the element length. Crimp effect was taken into account by assigning some portion of the strain to crimp. Fabric slippage on the clamped area and yarn pullout on the edge of the fabric were also considered. Bending resistance of the fabrics was assumed as the reaction force of a node arising from the curvature of the nodes. The inelastic collision of fabric layers as well as the collision with the projectile was considered. The numerical model describing all of the features was implemented as in-house code. Each of the energy dissipation mechanisms was characterized to clarify the contribution to the total energy absorption and performance of the fabrics against ballistic impacts. Three cases representing no-perforation, mature-perforation, and premature-perforation were chosen to explain different energy dissipation characteristics, depending on the impact velocity. The difference in reaction of each layer with projectile was also examined.