| Author(s): |
Walter G. McDonough; Gale A. Holmes; Amanda L. Forster; Kirk D. Rice; |
| Title: |
A Graphical Approach for Assessing High Strength Fiber Performance |
| Published: |
May 20, 2010 |
| Abstract: |
The design and materials used for bullet resistant body armor have evolved continuously to keep up with the threats. In this paper, a graphical approach is presented that plots the potential strain energy absorption of some common high performance fibers relative to their sonic velocities. These data emphasize the contention of Roylance and Wang and the observation of Phoenix and Porwal that optimal ballistic performance in soft body armor applications arises from a balance between the specific strain energy absorption and sonic velocity of the fiber. By comparing data in the literature on fibers used in ballistic applications, inferences can be made about how energy absorption and sonic velocity may influence ballistic fragmentation resistance and high energy projectiles. In addition, these types of comparison plots may provide critical insight as to how molecular structure can impact short and long-term ballistic performance. |
| Proceedings: |
SAMPE 2010 Annual Technical Conference |
| Pages: |
9 pp. |
| Location: |
Seattle, WA |
| Dates: |
May 17-20, 2010 |
| Keywords: |
ballistic fibers; impact |
| Research Areas: |
Polymers, Ballistics |
| PDF version: |
 Click here to retrieve PDF version of paper (797KB) |
