Backplane response of ballistically impacted composites

The ballistic impact response of woven composite helmet materials was analy sed both experimentally and numerically. Ballistic impact tests were perfor med on flat panels, using different projectiles with a range of impact velo cities. penetration and backplane response of the composite panels were mea sured. A numerical model incorporating post-failure response was implemente d in the LS-DYNA explicit dynamic finite element code to predict the penetr ation and backplane of the composite material under ballistic impact. Close agreement was found between the simulated backplane displacement and the d ata obtained from the ballistic experiments. A linear relationship was obse rved between the maximum backplane displacement and the impact energy, at l east within the range of impact energies considered. The model presented th is study will be used to assess the degree of improvement in performance of current ballistic protection offered by design changes and the adoption of new materials.