Study of dynamic compressive behaviour of aramid and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene composites using Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar

Abstract

In this paper, high strain rate compression properties of aramid and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene composites in the out-of-plane direction are tested at room temperature on a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar apparatus. Tests were conducted on composites reinforced with woven or Uni-Directional (UD) fabrics made from aramid or ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene as well as on composites reinforced with hybrid reinforcement. The strain rate is varied in the tests by changing the projectile shooting pressure. Four different pressures 2, 4, 6 and 8 bar were selected to change the strain rate. Stress-strain and energy absorption behaviour of eight type of samples were noted. Hybrid samples showed better performance in the energy absorption compared with other samples.