The effects of projectile shape on laminated composite perforation

The development of damage in B/Al composite laminates subjected to high-velocity impact has been investigated by using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method. In lieu of a macrohomogenous, anisotropic medium, the composites are treated as a heterogeneous material. This model of the individual fibers and matrix separately is of importance, especially for predicting detailed damage mechanisms resulting from localized, intensive loadings. The numerical results show that damage in B/Al composite laminates due to high-velocity impact is caused not only by perforation but also by a great deal of delamination. It is also shown that for impact velocities exceeding the ballistic limit, a flat projectile can result in a larger perforation hole and more severe damage to the composite targets than a thick projectile with the same mass. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.