Numerical Study on the Ballistic Impact on Lightweight Composite Armour

A lightweight sandwich composite armours has been established by comparing the ballistic resistance of the potential component materials. The ballistic-resistance properties of the armours under impacting by the bullet with 12.7mm diameter are also numerically investigated by using finite element software LS-DYNA. Numerical modeling is used to obtain an estimate for the ballistic limit velocity (V50) and simulate penetration processes. The focus is placed on the energy absorption capabilities of different component layers with same density per unit area. The influence of stacking sequence and thickness ratio of ceramic/fiber layer has been analyzed in detail. Results indicate that the composite armour having optimal thickness ratio of ceramic/fiber layer in the same density and its mass is 29% lighter than of 4340 steel target.