Finite Element Modeling and Dynamic Impact Response Evaluation for Ballistic Applications

A Hybrid-Composite-Armor insert for a level III NIJ 0101.06 ballistic vest standard was designed and successfully tested. A novel sandwich design concept of incorporating collapsible Metallic Glass Teardrop celled honeycomb structure between Dyneema HB50 laminates was used for this insert. Manufactured prototypes were ballistic tested for V50 and trauma, and X-ray tomographed. Results from these tests showed significant improvement in ballistic performance as compared to a Dyneema HB50 baseline. The test method used was standardized for repeatability and accuracy by experimenting on heat treated 4130 steel plates. Methods for evaluating quasi-static and dynamic properties of the Teardrop celled honeycomb were envisioned and standards were set. An FEA modeling procedure for dynamic impact in ABAQUS 6.8.2 was investigated and a method of conducting simulations was refined. The experiment setup conditions from steel plate testing served as a guideline for this FEA. The current study was thus successful in demonstrating a design methodology wherein mechanical testing and software based FEA analysis were used in conjunction to evaluate performance of armor design concepts.