High-speed Impact Modelling and Testing of Dyneema Composite

Abstract

Dyneema (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene – UHMW PE) is a high performance material that is used in many applications. These applications vary from leisure articles such as sails and kite wires to surgical wires and personal protection products. The reason that Dyneema outperforms many other materials is that it possesses a combination of the following properties: high strength, high stiffness and low density. Describing Dyneema, and especially Dyneema composite, is -however- challenging. In this research, two simulation models are developed that can be used to describe small projectile impact on flat Dyneema composite plates. The first model, the Orthogonal Layered model, focuses on delamination development due to projectile impact. The second model, the Discrete Layered model, can describe delamination, but also filament sliding and filament fracture. The above mentioned simulation models are developed by using the outcome of several experiments, which have been conducted as part of this research. The experiments performed on Dyneema (composite) are not limited to ballistic experiments, but also include e.g. tensile tests on both fibres and composite, DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) experiments and microscopic analysis.