A simplified microstructure model of bi-axial warp-knitted composite for ballistic impact simulation

The ballistic impact damage of a bi-axial warp-knitted (BWK) composite was simulated based on a simplified microstructure model. The microstructure was simplified by transferring the BWK composite into an equivalent laminate. Residual velocities of conically cylindrical steel projectiles (Type 56 in China Military Standard) and impact damage of the BWK composite were calculated with finite element method (FEM) and compared with those in experimental. Good agreements between FEM and experimental were found. The agreements verify the availability of the simplified model for the ballistic performance prediction of the BWK composite. We expect such an effort could be extended to the design of the BWK composites in field of aircrafts, high speed vehicles and ballistic protections.