Abstract
The 3D through-the-thickness angle-interlock fabric (TTAI) has demonstrated success as the continuous reinforcement for making shells for the riot police helmet. This paper describes the investigation of applying the concept of ‘one-piece reinforcement’ to design and manufacture of military helmet shell, which involves more layers of reinforcing textile materials. This current research concentrates on two aspects, one is the design of TTAI reinforcement with enough mouldability for the formation of helmet shell and for acceptable ballistic performance with reduced weight; and the other is the void control in thick composite making using VARTM. Firstly, the TTAI with adequate mouldability was designed according to the locking angle method mathematically. The TTAI reinforced Twaron® - Epoxy flat panels were subjected to ballistic tests in comparison to its plain fabric counterpart. The results demonstrated the AATI fabric provides satisfactory performance for ballistic helmet. Work has also been carried out to investigate the thickness-impregnation relations for the Twaron®/Epoxy composite panels by X-ray computed tomography where voids and void distribution were used as key index.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 6 Jun 2014 |
| Event | Composites Innovation 2014: Advances in Materials, Design and Manufacture of Composite Structures - The Midlance hotel, Manchester, UK Duration: 5 Jun 2014 → 6 Jun 2014 |
Conference
| Conference | Composites Innovation 2014: Advances in Materials, Design and Manufacture of Composite Structures |
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| City | The Midlance hotel, Manchester, UK |
| Period | 5/06/14 → 6/06/14 |
Keywords
- continuous reinforcement
- 3D woven fabric
- voids content
- X-ray CT
- VARTM