Finite element simulation of three‐dimensional angle‐interlock woven fabric undergoing ballistic impact

This paper presents finite element simulations of three‐dimensional (3D) angle‐interlock woven fabric (3DAWF) undergoing ballistic impact. A micro‐structure model of the 3DAWF was established at the fiber tow level. Incorporated with commercial finite element code, ABAQUS/Explicit, the ballistic impact damage of the 3DAWF was simulated and compared with that in the experiment. Residual velocities of the conically cylindrical steel projectile (Type 56 in Chinese Military Standard) with different strike velocities were calculated and verified with those in the experiment. There are good agreements of the impact damage of the 3DAWF and the residual velocities of the projectile between finite element results and experimental results. The acceleration fluctuation record of the projectile and the stress wave propagation in the 3DAWF obtained from the simulation reveal the impact damage mechanisms of the 3DAWF. The strain rate effect of the fiber tows on the ballistic performance are also discussed. Such a micro‐structure model could be extended to the design of the impact behavior of the 3DAWF composites.