Multi-scale finite element modeling of ballistic impact onto woven fabric involving fiber bundles

In order to capture all essential details of fibers and yarns in woven fabric under ballistic impact, this paper firstly presents a multi-scale modeling technique to simulate the woven fabric involving fiber bundles and yarns. The woven fabric was modeled through three methods including meso-scale at the yarn level and multi-scale including fiber bundles. For two multi-scale models, in the local region of the fabric, primary yarns were computationally represented using fiber bundles with solid elements with a certain crimp undulation. In the global region these fiber bundles interlaced with secondary yarns with solid elements or tied with fabric plate with shell elements. These three models were validated against ballistic test results. In comparison with the continuum solid model at the yarn level, models involving fiber bundles at the local region exhibited more accurate ballistic responses and detailed failure mechanisms of fabric under ballistic impact. The present fiber bundle/yarn model will be powerful to investigate the influence of fabric architecture on ballistic performance which requires more detail ballistic responses of yarns and fibers.

Automated summary

This paper introduces a multi-scale modeling technique to simulate fibers and yarns in woven fabric under ballistic impact, showing more accurate responses and detailed failure mechanisms. The models involving fiber bundles at the local region exhibit superior results and can be used to investigate the influence of fabric architecture on ballistic performance.