Numerical study on ballistic performance of aramid fiber reinforced composites subjected to small-arms projectiles

A numerical study was conducted to analyze the ballistic performance of Twaron/epoxy composite laminates subjected to ballistic impact of 7.62 × 39 mm M43 projectiles with various impact velocities. Numerical simulations were implemented using the finite element method based on the macro-homogeneous approach. The model predictions for the residual velocity of the projectile and damage patterns of the composite laminates are in good agreement with the experimental observations. Particularly, a minor discrepancy of about 10% was noted between predicted and measured residual velocities. The damage remains predominantly localized, characterized by through-thickness cylindrical holes with diameters generally comparable to the projectile caliber. Additionally, a comprehensive sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the influence of constitutive parameters on the ballistic performance. The findings demonstrate the high fidelity of the model in predicting ballistic impact response of the Twaron/epoxy composite laminates.