Shear-dominated plastic behavior of a cross-ply Dyneema® composite

Dyneema® composites derive some of their performance attributes from their elastic and plastic anisotropy. The principal objective of the present study is to develop a finite element framework for predicting the large-strain deformation response of these composites in a [0°/90°] configuration. We employ a binary model comprising a series of line elements to represent the axial fiber properties and a 3D effective medium to represent all off-axis properties. The model is assessed through comparisons with the results of two types of tests: (i) quasi-static punch tests and (ii) dynamic tests performed by firing (crushable) foam projectiles at high velocities. The measured load–displacement response in the punch tests and the evolution of the back-face deflection in the dynamic tests as well as the final shapes of the test specimens are represented well by the numerical simulations. Discrepancies occur only at the highest levels of displacements, wherein material damage becomes a significant factor.