Numerical analysis of the ballistic behaviour of Kevlar® composite under impact of double-nosed stepped cylindrical projectiles

This paper focuses on the numerical analysis of the ballistic performance of Kevlar®-29 under impact of different double-nosed stepped cylindrical projectiles. Numerical modelling based on finite element method was carried out in order to predict the failure mode of the target as well as the ballistic limit. A detailed analysis of the ballistic limit, failure mode and deformation of the targets due to impact of double-nosed projectiles was developed, discussed and compared with those involved in penetration of single-nosed flat and conical projectiles. Significant influence of the projectile geometry was demonstrated: the lowest ballistic limit was obtained with the conical–conical nose shape projectiles.