Study of the ballistic behaviour of UHMWPE composite material: experimental characterization and numerical simulation

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive mechanical study of UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) composite material under dynamic loadings. The aim of the study is to provide reliable experimental data for building and validate the composite material model under impact. Four types of characterization tests have been conducted: dynamic in-plane tension, out-of-plane compression, shear tests and plate impact tests. Then, several impacts of spherical projectiles have been performed. Regarding the numerical simulation, an intermediate scale multi-layered model (between meso and macro scale levels) is proposed. The material response is modelled with a 3d elastic orthotropic law coupled with fibre damage model. The modelling choice is governed by a balance between reliability and computing cost. Material dynamic response is unconventional [1, 2]: it shows large deformation before failure, very low shear modulus and peeling strength. Numerical simulation has been used both in the design and the analysis of tests. Many mechanical properties have been measured: elastic moduli, failure strength and EOS of the material. The numerical model is able to reproduce the main behaviours observed in the experiment. The study has highlighted the influence of temperature and fibre slipping in the impact response of the material.