Study on ballistic energy absorption capability of glass-epoxy and jute-epoxy-rubber sandwich composites

Abstract

High velocity impact analysis of natural fiber reinforced composites is essential as the trend is focused towards the development of light weight, environment-friendly, non-corrosive and economical materials. At present, the defence, aerospace and automobile sectors are using synthetic fiber composites which are expensive and non-eco-friendly. In the present study ballistic impact of jute-epoxy (JEC), glass-epoxy (GEC), jute-epoxy-rubber (JERC) sandwich composites are simulated with different thickness (1, 2 and 3 mm) and velocity variations (100, 200 and 300m/s) using Finite Element analysis software. Although different approaches to the analysis of the effect response of composite structures are available, numerical modeling is based on strict constitutive models is often preferred because it can provide valuable detailed information about the spatial and temporal distribution of damage during the impact. The ballistic parameters such as energy absorption, ballistic limit and fracture behaviors are predicted. The composite is made of 8 noded linear brick elements and the bullet/projectile is modeled as a discrete rigid element in which deformation behavior, energy absorption and penetration behaviors obtained are clearly represented. The simulation results predicted match well with the analytical results obtained. Among all the combination of the materials simulated, the sandwiches have better ballistic qualities. Energy absorption of sandwich(JERC) was found 67 percentage higher than GEC and 56 percentage higher than JEC laminate. In future, these materials can be the alternative materials for defence sector for bullet proofing. © 2018 Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.