An Analytical Model for Ballistic Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Laminates

Abstract An analytical model is developed to predict the ballistic performance of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) laminates under normal impact of rigid penetrators with various nose shapes. The model formulation is based on the localized interaction model incorporated with the spherical cavity-expansion model. Experimental validation of the analytical model is performed on experimental data obtained by own ballistic tests on Twaron/epoxy laminates and previous studies on ballistic performance of other FRP laminates. The model predictions for the ballistic limits and residual velocities are in good agreement with the experimental data, with discrepancies remaining within 10%, demonstrating the robustness and reliability of the present model.