A progressive damage model for three-dimensional woven composites under ballistic impact loading

Ballistic impact damage of three-dimensional woven composites have not been sufficiently studied. Numerical and experimental methods were used to evaluate the ballistic penetration behavior of three dimensional woven carbon fiber reinforced composites in this paper. A one-stage light gas gun apparatus was employed to conduct impact tests. Based on the nonhomogeneous elements method, a finite element model considering the strain rate effect of the matrix was established to analyze the damage mechanisms of 3D woven composites subjected to ballistic impact loading. The speed history and acceleration history of the projectile were obtained during the impact, as well as the damage process of fiber yarns and the matrix. The simulation results showing good agreement with experimental observations, in terms of damage patterns, residual velocities and damage morphology. The results show that the finite element model in this paper is reasonable for ballistic performance design of 3D woven composites.