Analytical prediction of high-velocity impact resistance of plane and curved thin composite targets

Resistance to ballistic impacts is a key requirement for an effective use of composite structures in many engineering applications. In fact, when fiber-reinforced composites are subject to high-velocity impacts (HVI), they are likely to suffer complete perforation, eventually causing the dramatic failure of the overall system. Moreover, elements with shielding requirements often feature nontrivial curvatures, so that their use in many engineering applications must undergo a precise evaluation of the effects of curvature on their resistance to impacts. The objective of the present work is to present an analytic formulation to model high-velocity impacts on both plane and curved (cylindrical and spherical) thin woven fabric composite targets, relying on the geometric and the elastodynamic characteristics of the target.