Ballistic studies on Kevlar-glass fibre hybrid laminated epoxy composites

In this present work, post ballistic studies on Kevlar - Glass Fibre laminated composite targets has been made. The targets made of Kevlar and Glass fibre with epoxy matrix were prepared by hand lay-up method. A total of seven laminated composites were fabricated by altering the number of Kevlar and glass fibre layers; and ballistic experiments were conducted by firing 9 x 19 mm parabellum projectiles on the targets. The Specific Energy Absorption (SEA) and the Back Face Signature (BFS) of the targets were calculated after the projectile impact. The results indicate BFS values of the laminate composite targets were below 44 mm as per the requirement of NIJ standard. The amount of kinetic energy required to completely penetrate the projectile into the glass fibre hybrid laminate composite was higher compare to pure Kevlar fibre laminates. Also, from the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, the failure mechanisms of the Kevlar - Glass fibre composite targets were studied and discussed in detail.