The ballistic performance of plain-weave multi-ply systems: An experimental investigation

This paper studies the influence of the weave parameter on the ballistic performance of multi-ply systems. Three types of plain weaves were put into investigation, namely, A090, A200, and A400. Tensile and yarn pull-out tests were performed to investigate the responses of fabric upon quasi-static loading. Penetration tests were performed to characterize the energy absorption capability of different multi-ply systems at impacting velocities ranging from 250 m/s to 460 m/s. It was found that the strength of the fabric sample increased almost linearly with fabric areal density, and the coarser weaves exhibited a greater resistance against yarn pull-out. The ballistic limit ( V₅₀) of finer weave 13A9, is around than 42.5% higher than coarser weave 3A4. In terms of hybrid systems, placing finer fabrics in front and coarser fabrics in the rear exhibits higher ballistic limits than the reversed sequence (8–20 m/s differences), while placing coarser fabrics in front exhibited greater energy absorption capability when the impact velocity is sufficient to cause instant and localized failure. It was also found that the ballistic performance of the hybrid systems does not alter significantly with the mass percentage of the coarser weaves at high impact velocities (greater than 400 m/s). The results indicate that replacing the expensive ballistic weaves with cheap materials in a hybrid system is a reasonable alternative to achieve cost reduction without significant performance degradation.