Ballistic Penetration Simulation of Various Composite Armor Panels
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-26-2025
Abstract
Advanced composite materials with strength-to-weight advantages and selected directional qualities are needed for modern warfare settings. Particularly, the ductile materials used in current armor cause significant deformation and enhance the ballistic limit V50, the velocity at a 50% probability of penetration. This study delves into the simulation method and results of ballistic penetration of various composite armor panels. Using results from tests conducted to determine V50 and secondary impact, the simulation aims to closely mirror test results and accurately depict structural responses, including damage modes and deformation behaviors. Full three-dimensional finite element modeling and three-dimensional/two-dimensional material assumptions are employed to realize detailed ply-to-ply and through-thickness damage, such as interlaminar delamination, to achieve a higher correlation with test V50 results. With the ability to handle a wide range of composite materials, this study pursues the establishment of a simulation methodology that effectively predicts and minimizes test conditions.
Source Publication
International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences (ISSN 2093-274X | eISSN 2093-2480)
Recommended Citation
Kim, J. H., & Hansen, J. H. (2025). Ballistic penetration simulation of various composite armor panels. International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42405-025-01085-4
Comments
© The Authors, under exclusive license to The Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences 2025.
This article was published online in November 2025 by Springer as an article of International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences, ahead of inclusion in an issue of that journal.