Finite element analysis of projectile size and shape effects on the probabilistic penetration response of high strength fabrics

The effects of projectile characteristics on the probabilistic impact response of single-layer fully-clamped flexible woven fabrics is numerically studied using a yarn-level fabric model with a statistical implementation of yarn strengths. Six small and large sized spherical, cylindrical, and conical projectiles of the same mass are considered. Probabilistic velocity response curves which describe the probability of fabric penetration as a function of projectile impact velocity are generated for each projectile type through a series of forty impact simulations at varying impact velocities. The probabilistic fabric impact response is observed to be strongly dependent on the shape of the projectile’s impact face and the manner of projectile–yarn interactions at the impact site.