DETERMINATION OF BALLISTIC PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITE ARMOR MADE OF BORON CARBIDE, CARBON, AND UHMWPE BY EXPERIMENTAL AND FINITE ELEMENT METHODS
MECHANICS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS, vol.62, no.1, pp.151-166, 2026 (SCI-Expanded)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 62 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s11029-026-10353-7
- Journal Name: MECHANICS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
- Page Numbers: pp.151-166
- Yozgat Bozok University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The performance of multi-layered ballistic armors consisting of boron carbide front layer, support layers of
carbon fibers and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) under the impact of 7.62 × 51 M61
caliber armor-piercing (AP) bullets was investigated by experimental and numerical methods. The boron carbide
ceramics used have dimensions of 120 × 120 × 12 mm. The front ceramic layer is supported by hybrid composite
structures consisting of 3 K 2/2 twill woven carbon fiber prepreg and Dyneema HB26 prepreg in 0°/90°/0°/90°
arrangement. Carbon fibers and UHWMPE were used in three different thicknesses. Composite layers have
dimensions of 190 × 175 mm. Ceramic and composite structures were bonded with polyurethane adhesive.
The results obtained from the experimental studies were compared with those obtained by the numerical analysis
method. Numerical analyses were performed with nonlinear finite element program LS DYNA that includes
advanced ballistic models and projectile motion simulations based on digital data. 3D modeling of multilayered
ceramic-composite ballistic armor was performed with the ANSYS/Space Claim module. The quarter
axisymmetric model was preferred to save time in the ballistic analysis of armor. As a result of the tests, there
was no complete penetration in any of the armors. The ceramic layer caused the bullet to wear. In addition,
a mushrooming effect was observed in the bullets. The damage to the armor and bullets was evaluated by
comparing the numerical analysis results with those of experimental studies.