Numerical study on the effects of oblique impact on the ballistic behavior of 3D angle interlock woven fabric

3D angle interlock woven fabric(3DAWF) has great potential for impact protection. This paper investigates the ballistic mechanism of 3DAWF(5 layers of angle interlock – through the thickness) under normal and oblique impact. The full-size mesoscale model of 3DAWF under different impact directions and angles was established and systematically studied to reveal the 3DAWFs’ ballistic mechanism. The numerical studies of 3DAWF subjected to 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60° oblique impacts from two impact directions along 3DAWF structure configurations were carried out. We found that 3DAWFs’ ballistic performance increases non-linearly with impact obliquity. The ballistic mechanisms change with impact directions because of 3DAWFs’ anisotropic structure. This work also demonstrates the impact damage mechanism, energy absorption evolution, and stress wave distribution of the 3DAWF under oblique high-velocity impact. The findings are constructive for the 3DAWF applicated in ballistic protection.