SPH Modeling of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Plate in Hypervelocity Impact

Abstract This study focuses on the establishment of simulation model of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene/polyethylene (UHPE/PE) laminate for an intermediate bumper (i.e., stuffing) to design a lighter stuffed Whipple shield. Past studies indicated that UHPE fabric had higher protection performance than aramid fabric and other high-strength fabric at the same areal density. However, past studies have focused on the modeling of outer bumper using UHPE fiber composite material in hypervelocity impact simulation, and the simulation model of stuffing has not been established. In this study, the material setting of stuffing using UHPE/PE laminate was proposed based on past studies and material tests, and the simulation results were in good agreement with hypervelocity impact tests in terms of the dispersion of debris cloud and the damage of rear wall.