The role of friction in cylindrical projectile impact on fabric structure

A three-dimensional finite element analysis model for plain weave fabric was created. Impact of a rigid cylindrical projectile on a square fabric clamped along its four edges were simulated using commercially available software LS-DYNA. To reveal the role of friction in ballistic impact, comparative study was conducted in which projectile velocity, boundary condition, and material property are kept the same but friction between projectile and fabric and between yarns themselves are varied systematically. Results from the study show that the friction between projectile and fabric has little effect on fabric energy absorption but the friction between yarns themselves has apparent effect. Fabric has larger impact energy absorption capacity when friction coefficient between yarns are smaller. Smaller friction between yarns delays initiation of yarn failure, increases the duration of interaction between projectile and fabric and thus increases impact energy absorption capacity of fabric structure. (paper)