Work

Energy absorption properties and failure modes of flexible UHMWPE foam protective sandwich structure subjected to low-velocity impact

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Flexible materials play a crucial role in protecting against behind armour blunt trauma (BABT). However, their compliance complicates the understanding of failure mechanisms and energy absorption. This study used a combined experimental and numerical approach to investigate the response and failure modes of a flexible ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) foam protective sandwich structure (UFPSS) under low-velocity impact (LVI). A finite element (FE) model, accounting for nonlinear large deformation and strain-rate-dependent material behavior, was developed for a woven-UFPSS (featuring a plain-woven fabric structure) subjected to a 50 J impact. Experimental and numerical results showed strong agreement in peak force (error < 5%), maximum displacement (error < 6%), and buffer time (error < 8%). The impact's kinetic energy was mainly converted into internal energy of the fabric and foam materials (∼50%), viscous dissipation in the foam core (12%–15%), frictional work at the contact interfaces (5%–6%), and work by the pneumatic fixture clamping force (∼38%). This study provides the first investigation of the LVI performance of sandwich structures with all soft material layers, offering significant insights for the application of compliant materials in protective fields.

Source: Defence Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.dt.2025.09.027

Authors: Xiaoke Liu, Kejing Yu, Pengwan Chen

Institutions: Beijing Institute of Technology, State Key Laboratory of Explosion Science and Safety Protection, Jiangnan University

Language: English

Topic: Cellular and Composite Structures

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation

Awards: G2298943549, G3382884309