Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Ballistic Impact Response of Polymethylmetacrylate

Abstract

For understanding characteristics of polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) under impact, the damage behavior of PMMA plates with various thicknesses (1.5 to 6.0 mm) subjected to ballistic impacts with various velocities (63 to 180 m/s) is experimentally investigated using a specialized testing apparatus. Moreover, numerical simulations using FEM are conducted for the corresponding experimentally studied cases. Ductile response and brittle tensile failure behavior are considered in the FEM to describe the nonlinear response and the failure mode of the PMMA plates. The numerical simulations effectively describe the shape of cracks and perforations of the PMMA plates for all studied 25 cases, verifying the validity of the numerical model. Although the PMMA plates are generally brittle in the selected range of impact velocity, it was found that these plates exhibit ductile behavior under low-velocity impacts. Moreover, the numerical simulations imply that the kinetic energy loss of the projectile is linearly dependent on the plate thickness, whereas the impact velocity hardly affects this loss. This behavior obtained experimentally and numerically illustrates the usefulness of the PMMA material for the use as a protective layer in many applications involving ballistic (high-velocity) impacts. This study delves into the impact behavior of PMMA plates, offering insights with a range of practical implications. This research positions PMMA as a promising protective material for applications exposed to high-velocity impacts. The comprehensive understanding of failure modes aids in designing resilient PMMA structures. By subjecting PMMA plates of varying thicknesses (1.5 to 6.0 mm) to ballistic impacts at different velocities (63 to 180 m/s), this research reveals a nuanced interplay between ductile and brittle behavior within the material. The study uncovers a ductile response of the PMMA plates under low-velocity impacts, expanding the material’s potential use in scenarios with lower impact velocities. Moreover, the linear relationship established between plate thickness and kinetic energy loss of the projectile, independent of the impact velocity, provides a practical basis for designing impact-resistant PMMA structures. The practical applications of the study extend to fields such as architectural glazing, automotive safety, and aerospace engineering, where protective materials play a crucial role in safeguarding against unexpected impacts. In summary, this study empowers practical decision-making by uncovering the PMMA’s impact response, thereby contributing to optimized protective solutions across various domains.