Hybridized composite architecture for mitigation of non-penetrating ballistic trauma

• We explore the role of composite laminate architecture on ballistic and impact response.
• The effect of laminate architecture to impact stress non-penetrating ballistic impacts is characterized.
• Architectural complexity improves the energy absorption for projectile impacts.
• ARL X Hybrid architecture provides significant mitigation of blunt impact.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHWMPE) fiber-based composites are employed in a variety of Soldier protection systems due to their impressive specific strength and elastic wave speed. However, as UHMWPE composites rely on their tenacity to decelerate the projectile impact, even in successfully arrested impacts issues arise with the blunt deformation trauma generated due to high deformation of the material into the Soldier. In this experiment, UHMWPE composite laminates employing two widely different laminate architectures, [0°/90°] and ARL X Hybrid, were evaluated to assess the effect of panel architecture on impact pressures generated in non-penetrating ballistic impact events. Panels were impacted with 7.62 mm lead core projectiles on a testing platform designed for the physics-based evaluation of BHBT of helmet materials. Composite panel deformation for the [0°/90°] configuration impacted the testing frame at velocities 2.2× higher than the ARL X Hybrid specimens, leading to a 526% higher average maximum pressure amplitude measured on the BHBT platform (45.5 ± 19.1 MPa and 7.3 ± 3.3 MPa for [0°/90°] and ARL X Hybrid, respectively), demonstrating the effectiveness of ARL X Hybrid in mitigating non-penetrating ballistic impact stress. The experiment has provided critical insight into non-penetrating small arms impact stresses and the role materials, materials processing, and materials design influence non-penetrating blunt trauma response.