Ballistic performance evaluation of composite laminates in kevlar 29

In literature there are several analytical models to predict the ballistic behavior of armors, but these models often provide only mean values of ballistic performances as a function of fiber/matrix volume fraction, of fibers mechanical properties or of considered kind of composite laminates. Therefore, it is difficult to analytically estimate the real behavior of ballistic armors made by a specific material. The present work aims to evaluate both the performance of composite armors made up of Kevlar 29 fabrics that were impregnated by thermosetting resin and the reliability of an analytical model to predict the ballistic limit velocity. The manufactured armors were subjected to ballistic tests to individuate ballistic limit V-50; the tests allowed to demonstrate the suitability of the used technological process and materials to manufacture armours. In the same time the results of the experimental tests were compared with the analytical ballistic limits in order to validate a model of the literature to foresee the ballistic limit velocity of the considered composite armours. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.