Collision Analysis of STF Impregnated Kevlar Fabric Using the 3D-Shell Element

Ballistic impact analyses have been performed with the Kevlar fabric impregnated with STF(shear thickening fluid). Multi-layer laminates modeled with 3D isoparametric shell elements were used for the performance analysis and their results are compared with experimental results. Both experiments and numerical analyses have been done to verify the usefulness of STF to enhance the impact resistance performance. The results showed that STF increases friction within a bundle of fiber, and this phenomena is more apparent in the velocity range of under near 450 m/s. In this research, it is emphasized that FEA analyses of STF impregnated Kevlar fabric laminate were successfully conducted using shell elements. Moreover, the effectiveness of the technique and accuracy were verified through the comparison with reliable experimental data.