Analysis on failure mechanisms of an interlock woven fabric under ballistic impact

In this paper, damage mechanisms of a 3D interlock woven fabric subjected to ballistic impact were analyzed using a numerical model. Two impact configurations were carried out in order to validate the numerical model with experimental observations: perforation (900 m/s) and no-perforation (90 m/s). Global deformation of the fabric during impact is determined continuously to detail fabric impact behavior. Also, in this study, the effects of boundary conditions on failure mechanisms have been investigated. Boundary conditions are divided into two cases: (1) only warp yarns fixed and (2) only weft yarns fixed. Basing on continuous evolutions of global deformation, projectile velocity, different energies and reaction force onto projectile, the influence of both these fixation conditions is investigated.

► Failure mechanisms of a 3D fabric due to ballistic impact were numerically analyzed.
► Two numerical impact cases were validated with experimental observations.
► Effects of boundary conditions on failure mechanisms have been investigated.
► Continuous evolutions of impact characteristics are investigated.