Energy balance modelling of high velocity impact effect on composite plate structures

Purpose: In many military applications, composite materials have been used because of their high velocity impact resistance that helps absorption and dispersion energy. It is therefore used in armour and vehicles, aircraft and spacecraft that are subjected to impact of various shapes and velocities. Design/methodology/approach: In the theoretical part, the absorption energy equation for the sample was established by constructing an energy balance equation consisting of five types of energies, it is the compressive energy in the first region (the impact region), the tensile energy in the first region, the tensile energy in the second region, the energy of the shear plugging and the friction energy. Findings: It was found in the experiments that the tensile stress value increased by increasing the volume fraction of fibres to the polyester, and the value of compressive stress decreased. Also manufactured different types of impact samples with dimensions (20*20 cm2 ) and deferent thickness. The results were an increase in the amount of energy absorbed by increasing the ratio of the fibre to the polyester. It is found that the greatest effect in the equation of energy balance is the shear plugging energy, in which the value of the energy absorbed reached 38% of the total energy. And in the second degree friction energy, in which the value of the energy absorbed reached 27% of the total energy. while the other energies are relatively small but with important values, except for the tensile energy in the second region, the Kevlar-Polyester (40-60)%, so that the increase was more than four times the previous case. Research limitations/implications: Three types of reinforcing fibres were used: Kevlar, Carbon and Glass fibres with a matrix material as polyester. Six samples are made for tensile and compression testing, Kevlar-Polyester (30-70)%, Carbon-Polyester (30-70)%, Glass-Polyester (30-70)%, Kevlar-Polyester (40-60)%, Carbon-Polyester (40-60)% and Glass-Polyester (40-60)%. Practical implications: On the experimental part, experimental work tests were carried out to determine the mechanical properties of the samples such as tensile and compression tests as well as conducting the natural frequency test conducting the impact test by bullet to identify the effects and penetration incidence and compare this with the theoretical results. Originality/value: In this research high velocity impact is used with a bullet it diameter 9 mm, mass of 8 g, and a semi-circular projectile head with a specific velocity ranging from 210-365 m/s. The effect of the impact is studied theoretically and experimentally. The elastic deformation is increased for increasing the ratio of the fiber to the polyester and the depth of penetration is decreasing. The hybrid sample is affected in absorption energy and decreasing the penetration. Finally calculated for penetration behaviour theoretically and experimentally for different composite materials and comparison for the results calculated.