Behaviour of GFRP composite plate under ballistic impact: experimental and FE analyses

In this paper, experimental as well as numerical analysis of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) laminated composite has been presented under ballistic impact with varying projectile nose shapes (conical, ogival and spherical) and incidence velocities. The experimental impact tests on GFRP composite plate reinforced with woven glass fiber (0 degrees/90 degrees)s are performed by using pneumatic gun. A three dimensional finite element model is developed in AUTODYN hydro code to validate the experimental results and to study the ballistic perforation characteristic of the target with different parametric variations. The influence of projectile nose shapes, plate thickness and incidence velocity on the variation of residual velocity, ballistic limit, contact force-time histories, energy absorption, damage pattern and damage area in the composite target have been studied. The material characterization of GFRP composite is carried out as required for the progressive damage analysis of composite. The numerical results from the present FE model in terms of residual velocity, absorbed energy, damage pattern and damage area are having close agreement with the results from the experimental impact tests.