Optimization of process parameters for ballistic impact response of hybrid sandwich composites

The low-cost, eco-friendly ballistic impact resistance materials are gaining more importance in defense applications. The present work investigates the findings of ballistic impact behavior of a Jute-Rubber-Jute-Epoxy (Sand)-Jute-Rubber-Jute (JRJ-ES-JRJ) hybrid sandwich composite for different core thicknesses (10, 15, 20 mm) and different filler composition (0, 20, 40%) subjected to impact at 350 mps using different shaped projectiles like flat (F), conical (C), and hemispherical (H) using a numerical and parametric approach. Hybrid JRJE(%S)JRJ sandwich composites is modeled and simulated using commercially available dynamic explicit software, with the projectile as a rigid body and the target as a deformable material. Simulations are performed as per Taguchi's design of experiments approach for the L27 orthogonal array. The results show that filler composition and core thickness are the most critical factors determining ballistic behavior for the proposed hybrid sandwich composite structure. The Hybrid JRJ-ES-JRJ sandwich composites impacted with a conical-shaped projectile absorb the maximum energy, but the composite impacted with a flat-shaped projectile suffers more severe and immediate damage.