The effect of hybridization on the ballistic impact behavior of hybrid composite armors

In the present study, effect of hybridization on the hybrid composite armors under ballistic impact is investigated using hydrocode simulations. The hybrid composite armor is constructed using various combinations and stacking sequences of fiber reinforced composites having woven form of fibers specifically high specific-modulus/high specific-strength Kevlar fiber (KF), tough, high strain-to-failure fiber Glass fiber (GF) and high strength/high stiffness Carbon fiber (CF). Different combinations of composite armors studied are KF layer in GF laminate, GF layer in KF laminate, KF layer in CF laminate and CF layer in KF laminate at various positions of hybridized layers for a fixed thickness of the target. In this article the results obtained from the finite element model are validated for the case of KF layer in a GF laminate with experimental predictions reported in the literature in terms of energy absorption and residual velocity and good agreement is observed. Further, the effect of stacking sequence, projectile geometry and target thickness on the ballistic limit velocity, energy absorbed by the target and the residual velocity are presented for different combinations of hybrid composite armors. The simulations show that, at a fixed thickness of the hybrid composite armor, stacking sequence of hybridized layer shows significant effect on the ballistic performance. The results also indicate energy absorption and ballistic limit velocity are sensitive to projectile geometry. Specifically, it is found that arranging the KF layer at the rear side, GF layer in the exterior and CF layer on the front side offers good ballistic impact resistance. The hybrid composite armor consisting of a CF layer in KF laminate acquires maximum impact resistance and is the best choice for the design compared to that of other combinations studied.