Effect of structural hybridization on ballistic performance of aramid fabrics

This article presents an investigation regarding the ballistic performance of hybrid panels formed by combining woven and unidirectional (UD) para-aramid fabrics. For this purpose, hybrid panels are formed by combining woven and UD para-aramid fabrics with different ply ratios. The hybrid panels formed in this way are subjected to ballistic tests according to National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standard. The results show that hybrid panels present 4.48% less trauma depth as compared to 100% woven fabric panels and 3% less trauma diameter as compared to 100% UD fabric panels. Furthermore, 13.9% less energy is transmitted to the back side of hybrid panels as compared to 100% UD fabric panels. The energy absorbed per unit weight in hybrid panels is 8.48% more as compared to 100% woven fabrics. Additionally, in wet conditions, less trauma depth of hybrid panels is observed as compared to both 100% woven and 100% K-Flex UD fabric panels. No significant difference is realized in trauma diameter between hybrid panels and 100% woven fabric panels in wet conditions. However, 3.25% less trauma diameter is noticed in hybrid panels as compared to 100% UD fabric panels.