Influence of microstructure on the failure of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene composite beams impacted by blunt projectiles

Increasing the fibre tensile strength is well-known to improve the ballistic performance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre composite beams. Here we investigate modifying ply microstructure as an alternate way to enhance ballistic performance. Specifically, we numerically investigate the mechanisms via which failure is initiated in [0o/90o]nlaminates comprising UHMWPE tape plies and compare with the commonly used UHMWPE...