Prediction of Final Velocity of Aramid Fabric-Resin Composite Laminates Subjected to Ballistic Impact

The strain rate effects of aramid fiber material, quasi-static and ballistic impact perforation of composite laminates made of aramid fabric and phenolic resin/PVB are investigated respectively by means of MTS, split Hopkinson tension bars and ballistic impact apparatus. The tensile impact experiments on aramid fiber material are performed in strain rate range from 0.01/s to 1000/s. Experimental results show that the mechanical properties of aramid fiber material are insensitive to strain rate in the range from 0. 01/s to 1 000/s. An energy model to predict final velocity of composite laminates subjected to ballistic impact is proposed on the basis of experimental data of quasi-static perforation through the targets. The predicted final velocities show good agreement with the experimental final velocity.