Behavior of Kevlar/Epoxy Composite Plates Under Ballistic Impact

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the ballistic response of laminated composite plates using numerical simulations. Numerical simulations were carried out to determine the ballistic response of thick Kevlar/epoxy composite plates, commonly used in body armor. These plates were impacted at velocities between 100 and 1000m/s. The numerical parametric study of ballistic impact caused by cylindrical projectile is undertaken to obtain an estimate for the ballistic limit velocity, energy absorbed by the plate, and the contact duration. The effect of mass and diameter of the projectile on ballistic limit velocity was also studied. The results obtained hereby are in good agreement with the experimental data presented by other researchers. KEY WORDS: Kevlar/epoxy composite, projectile, numerical simulation, impact behavior, ballistic impact