Instrumented ballistic performance of jute/epoxy sandwich with functionally graded rubber core

Abstract

The qualitative analysis of instrumented ballistic impact for jute-epoxy sandwiches with fly ash reinforced functionally graded (FG) flexible, compliant rubber core is presented. An attempt is made to study the influence of fly ash weight fraction, jute orientation and core to total thickness (C/H) of sandwich on ballistic performance. Experiments are designed based upon L9 orthogonal array. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is performed on recorded data to investigate the influence of parameters on ballistic response. An optimal parameter combination is determined leading to higher energy absorption and lower energy required for skin pullout by the bullet. A correlation derived from the results of Taguchi experimental design is proposed as a predictive equation for estimation of energy absorption of sandwiches. Furthermore, for arresting bullet optimum stack thickness of sandwich configuration is presented. Finally, the potential benefits for using such materials as a replacement for sand bags in guarding posts is highlighted. Copyright 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.