Mesoscopic simulation of ballistic impact resistance of nanocomposites

The ration of areal density to level of ballistic protection is a critical factor in evaluating the ballistic impact resistance performance of silicate nanocomposites. The current goal of Army is 3.5 lb/ft(2) areal density able to defeat all types of 7.62 mm bullets. Mesoscopic simulations were performed on the dynamics of the nanoparticle system. The energies absorbed by the interface, the particles, is quantitated. Comparisons are drawn between polymer polymer nanocomposites and micro composites. The polycarbonate matrix systems and exfoliated polybutadiene as the elastomeric phase was compared with the ceramic nanocomposites. The low temperature multi-axial impact strength as a function of the volume fraction of dispersion is predicted. The shift in the glass transition temperature of the polymer matrix is evaluated.