Ballistic impact performance of Kevlar-29 and Al2O3 powder/epoxy targets under high velocity impact

In this study, the impact performance of a hybrid composite made of woven fiber Kevlar-29 and Al2O3 powder/epoxy subjected to high velocity impact is presented. The energy absorbed due to the impact of small rigid projectiles on composite material targets was studied both theoretically and experimentally. A cylindrical projectile is used in this investigation. Three parameters including elastic work, work done due to radial and tangential stretching, and the work done due to plastic bending were studied. The energy absorption was predicted by assuming that the total work done in the deformation of the plates is equivalent to the total loss of the kinetic energy of the projectile. A relation between the ballistic limit velocity and the thickness of composite material was established. The theoretical results showed good agreement compared with the experimental work. The results indicate that improvements in the target performance of bullet proof applications were achieved.