High velocity perforation behaviour of polymer composite laminates

Experimentally measured perforation data are given for woven, z-stitched and through-thickness z-stitched glass polyester laminates for a number of laminate thicknesses (6, 12, 24 ply), a number of geometries of impactor (cone, flat and hemisphere), and two missile masses (6, 12 g). Impact perforation velocities ranged up to 571 m s(-1) on 200 by 200 mm laminates with fully clamped boundary conditions. Results are expressed in terms of static and impact perforation energies. The discussion includes a study of energy absorption mechanisms during perforation, with a view to identifying improved combinations of materials. It is concluded that all types of construction behave in a similar manner and that the flat ended missile has the largest dynamic enhancement factor, i.e. ratio of impact perforation energy to static perforation energy. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.