Numerical analysis of state of the art high performance thermoplastic composite as light weight bullet proof material

Abstract

This investigation highlights the state of the art orientation of lightweight composite materials which could essentially be applied as bulletproof materials replacing traditional bulletproof materials. These composite materials include Polyether ether ketone (PEEK)/Carbon fiber (CF) composites in conjunction with silicon carbide and tungsten carbide plates. These composites are layered at increasing angles such that it opposes the rotation of the incoming bullet, thus suppressing its angular velocity, thereby reducing the penetration depth into the composite. A solid layer of silicon carbide and tungsten carbide of varying thickness are added to the composite layer, and a comparative study has been done, with varying bullet velocities. From the comparative study, it is noticed that a composite of 16 mm thickness, arranged in increasing angles of 20 degrees, coupled with a silicon carbide plate of 4 mm best stops the bullet, with minimal penetration into the plate.