Characterization of the Mechanical Behavior of a Polymer-Based Laminate and Constituent Fibers at Various Quasi-Static Strain Rates

AbstractPredictive computational modeling of the response of armor systems to dynamic threats such as blast and impact requires understanding and quantification of the behavior of the armor materials. This paper describes the mechanical characterization of Dyneema HB26. The in-plane tensile, compressive, and shear stress-strain behavior and strength of the laminate at low rates has been determined experimentally. The tensile behavior of the Dyneema SK76 fibers, which comprise 83% of the laminate has been determined, including the effect of temperature and rate.