Methodology to Predict Ballistic Penetration and Damage of Composite Laminated Structures

Current utilization of composite materials in air and surface weapons systems and structures is extensive, and the use of these materials can be expected to increase in the future. Weapons effectiveness assessments and the design of protective structures require methodologies to predict the terminal ballistic interactions between projectiles and fragments penetrating composite laminated target structures at speeds up to 5 km/sec. Penetration and response models for isotropic, metallic and nonmetallic materials are well developed. A similar methodology for application to orthotropic, laminated structures of fiber reinforced materials is needed. The objectives for the proposed Phase I study effort are to identify the principal penetrator and target response mechanisms, establish an analytical basis for methodology development$ to provide a detailed plan for Phase II methodology development and to provide a limited demonstration of key concepts. The Phase II study objectives are development of the objective composite material penetration and damage prediction methodology for selected materials-and to incorporate the methodology into a stand-alone computer code. The Phase II technical report will include full documentation for-use of the code.