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Using Microprojectiles to Study the Ballistic Limit of Polymer Thin Films
Published
Author(s)
Shawn H. Chen, Amanda J. Souna, Christopher L. Soles, Stephan J. Stranick, Edwin P. Chan
Abstract
The dynamic impact between a particle and a planar material is important in many high impact events, andthereisagrowingneedtocharacterizethemechanicalpropertiesoflight-weightpolymeric materials at dynamic loading conditions. Here, a laser-induced projectile impact test (LIPIT) is employed to investigate the ballistic limit (V0) and materials properties at impact velocities ranging from 40 m s−1 to 70 m s−1. An analytical expression describing the various energy dissipation mechanisms is established to estimate the yield stress and elasticity for polycarbonate thin films. This measurement approach demonstrates the utility of using low sample mass for discovery of materials for impact mitigation, as well as high-throughput mechanical characterization at dynamic loading rates.
Chen, S.
, Souna, A.
, Soles, C.
, Stranick, S.
and Chan, E.
(2020),
Using Microprojectiles to Study the Ballistic Limit of Polymer Thin Films, Soft Matter, [online], https://doi.org/10.1039/d0sm00295j
(Accessed October 10, 2025)