An analytical model for the ballistic impact of three dimensional angle-interlock woven fabric penetrated by a rigid cylindro-spherical projectile

Ballistic penetration damage and energy absorptions of three-dimensional angle-interlock woven fabric (3DAWF) have been investigated from ballistic impact tests and analytical model approaches. From the ballistic tests, the strike velocities versus the residual velocities curve was obtained for characterizing the ballistic performance of the 3DAWF penetrated with a rigid cylindro-spherical projectile. The impact damage of the 3DAWF was observed. An analytical model based on the fabric microstructure has been developed to investigate the deformation and energy absorption. The energies absorbed by warp and weft yarns with different crimp coefficients both in transverse and longitudinal wave regions were calculated. The strain rate effect on the mechanical properties of the warp and weft yarns was employed in modeling to estimate the penetration time. In addition, the strain rate versus strike velocity of the projectile curve was fitted for verifying the penetration time. The theoretical strike velocities versus residual velocities curve was obtained and compared with that in experiments. The energy absorption distribution of the 3DAWF under ballistic impact was analyzed with the verified model. It was found that the yarn crimp coefficient and weave density were key factors influencing fabric ballistic behavior. Some principles on designing high ballistic performance fabrics were discussed.