Dynamic Behaviour of Carbon/Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) Hybrid Composite Laminates Under Ballistic Impact

Hybrid composites are versatile materials for armour and aerospace applications as they can confer the advantages of both the fibres to the system. Carbon/UHMWPE hybrid composites were prepared by varying volume % of carbon and UHMWPE laminates using the hot press method. The hybrid composites were each subjected to ballistic impact from a 7.62 × 39 mm mild steel (MS) projectile at an impact velocity of 730 ± 10 m.s− 1. The effect of hybridization ratio on the energy absorption of hybrid composites was investigated. The specific energy density (SED) dissipated by the hybrid composites was determined and it is found to increase with increasing volume % of UHMWPE. The real time dynamic deformation of the hybrid composites under ballistic impact was recorded using a high speed video camera. The back face deformation and bulge growth rate of hybrid composites were determined and the results are presented. Post impact analysis of the composites was carried out to examine the various failure modes.