Optimization of multi-layered composites against ballistic impact: A mesoscale approach

• Published in: Composite structures 2024-06, Vol.338, p.118097, Article 118097
• Main Authors: Kapoor, Shashwat, Ray, Sonalisa, Sahoo, Jagdish Prasad, Joshi, Yugal Kishor
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ballistic impact; Damage characteristics; Multi-layered composite; Optimization; Shock impedance; Specific energy absorption
• ISSN: 0263-8223; 1879-1085
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2024.118097

There has been an urgent need to develop and analyse multi-layered composite structures with varying material properties to withstand projectile impact. The proposed study focuses on the optimization of the multi-layer composite to achieve maximum resistance/energy dissipation. This study investigates the mechanical performance of the proposed multi-layered composite configuration under high strain rate loading through a computational approach. The proposed multi-layered structure incorporates layers of reinforced concrete, boulders, an elastomer layer, an ultra-high-performance concrete panel, and a layer of steel plate. A mesoscale-based approach has been developed for the layer comprising boulders and mortar. A total of six different configurations have been considered to arrive at the most efficient one against projectile impact. Optimization of the proposed configurations has been done by utilizing the concepts of specific energy absorption and shock impedance. Additionally, the fracture and damage characteristics of each configuration are also studied. Ductile hole enlargement in the sandy soil layer, fragmentation failure in the boulders, petaling failure in the steel plate, and spalling failure in the concrete layer have been observed. Based on the specific energy absorption and shock impedance approaches, the optimum laying sequence for the ballistic impact of each material is suggested. •A multi-layer composite with varying material properties has been proposed to provide improved resistance against projectile impact.•Such a multilayer is designed based on the impedance technique and has the capability to mitigate stress wave propagation.•A numerical framework has been proposed to investigate the performance of multi-layered configurations.•Mesoscale modelling has been adopted to model boulders mixed with mortar of multi-layered composites accurately.•Optimization of multi-layered composite has been done using shock impedance and specific energy absorption techniques.