Ballistic Strength of Multi-Layer Fabric System with Through-The-Thickness Reinforcement

Abstract : Fabric systems with through-the-thickness reinforcement have better ballistic strength than those without it. The focus of the current project is to develop the computational capability to evaluate multilayer fabric systems with through-the thickness reinforcement as well as its failure mechanism after ballistic impact. In this project, a numerical model has been established to generate the micro-geometry of fabrics fabricated using TexTech needle-punching technology. A hybrid mesh model has been developed which produces results close to those obtained using full field uniform mesh and yet uses less computer resource by a factor of ten or more. Furthermore, a post-processor has been developed which can display the ballistic perforation process step by step and enables the analysis of the fabric failure mechanism. Based on the work accomplished, we have established the capacity to (1) simulate the fabrication procedure of needle-punching the through-the-thickness fibers into multi-layer fabric systems, (2) conduct ballistic simulations of the TexTech fabric systems with various layer configurations, (3) compare numerical ballistic simulation results to experimental results, and (4) provide information for optimal hybrid design of multilayer fabric systems with through-the-thickness reinforcement.