Energy absorption capability and deformation of laminated panels for armoured vehicle materials

Abstract

This paper investigates the computational-based deformation and energy absorption capability of laminated metal panels composed of high-strength steel and aluminium alloy under low-velocity impact. Layering aluminium alloy plates with high-strength steel has become of interest for reducing the overall density of armoured vehicle bodies while improving the ballistic resistance. In order to enhance the attractiveness of laminated plate construction, it is essential to study the strength of the two different metals in a laminated panel under low-velocity impact before performing a ballistic impact. Two types of laminated panels were constructed: two-layer and three-layer configurations. Both were oriented transverse to the loading axis and solved using quasi-static analysis. The deformation behaviour of these panels was studied and the energy absorption capacities were quantified. The results showed that the energy absorption capacities of the laminated panels were on average 220% higher in the three-layer configuration panels compared to in the two-layer configuration panels. The deformation lengths in the three-layer configuration panels were on average 22% smaller than those of the two-layer configuration panels with 25% to 30% weight reduction. The best three-layer configuration panel will be used later for investigating a suitable combination panel for armoured vehicles subjected to ballistic impact.

An overview on penetration mechanism and optimization techniques of steel sandwich structure under ballistic testing

“…The strength of braze joint formed from dissimilar metals (AR 500 steel and AA 7075 aluminium alloy) subjected to low velocity impact has been studied by [24]. Computation investigation on the energy absorption of layered laminates of high strength steel and aluminium was studied by [11]. They concluded their study by indicating that, higher absorption energy could be obtained in a three-layered panel compared to its equivalent double layered panel.…”

“…This is attributed to their low density, high strength and high energy absorption capabilities [9]. Therefore, much attention has been devoted into investigating perforation characteristics of sandwich composites that incorporate lightweight materials [11] .…”

A Study of Stress Behaviour and Energy Absorption for Sandwich Metal Panel Compared to Solid Material under Static Condition

“…terms of weight reduction, formability, and improved mechanical properties such as energy absorption and ultimate strength of the material. Sandwich metal panels are also involved in the transmission of forces between the inner layers which are closely related to the deformation and energy absorption capacity of the panels [6]. Therefore, it is important to understand further the local strength and energy absorption characteristics of sandwich metal panels with connecting materials to determine the behavior and performances of sandwich metal panels' development on vehicle industry application.…”

Design optimization of a B-pillar for crashworthiness of vehicle side impact

“…This problem necessitated the optimisation (by reinforcement) of a B-Pillar such that its performance is not compromised while the stiffness, strength, and impact resistance of the pillar are increased with no further increase to the B-Pillar overall weight which may be disadvantageous in terms of the vehicle fuel consumption rate. Crash impact analysis usually unravels the effects of linear static forces acting on vehicular structures in terms of energy absorption and deformation upon low and high-velocity impacts [17]. In certain case, reinforcing the B-Pillar becomes necessary for effective attenuation of impact forces during crash scenarios.…”