Title: Instrumented ballistic performance of jute/epoxy sandwich with functionally graded rubber core

Authors: M.R. Doddamani; S.M. Kulkarni

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal – 575025, India. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal – 575025, India

Abstract: The qualitative analysis of instrumented ballistic impact for jute-epoxy sandwiches with fly ash reinforced functionally graded (FG) flexible, compliant rubber core is presented. An attempt is made to study the influence of fly ash weight fraction, jute orientation and core to total thickness (C/H) of sandwich on ballistic performance. Experiments are designed based upon L9 orthogonal array. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is performed on recorded data to investigate the influence of parameters on ballistic response. An optimal parameter combination is determined leading to higher energy absorption and lower energy required for skin pullout by the bullet. A correlation derived from the results of Taguchi experimental design is proposed as a predictive equation for estimation of energy absorption of sandwiches. Furthermore, for arresting bullet, optimum stack thickness of sandwich configuration is presented. Finally, the potential benefits for using such materials as a replacement for sand bags in guarding posts is highlighted.

Keywords: ballistic impact; functionally graded rubber core; ballistic performance; jute-epoxy sandwich; Taguchi methods; ANOVA; fly ash reinforcement; jute orientation; experimental design; energy absorption; arresting bullets; sandbags; guard posts.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMATEI.2012.046897

International Journal of Materials Engineering Innovation, 2012 Vol.3 No.2, pp.117 - 138

Received: 15 Jun 2011
Accepted: 17 Nov 2011

Published online: 23 Aug 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article