Type of Document	Master's Thesis
Author	Ellis, Roger L.
URN	etd-23521427119653610
Title	Ballistic Impact Resistance of Graphite Epoxy Composites With Shape Memory Alloy and Extended Chain Polyethylene Spectra Hybrid Components
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Mechanical Engineering
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Giurgiutiu, Victor Lalande, Frederic Committee Co-Chair Rogers, Craig A. Committee Co-Chair
Keywords	graphite composites hybrid composites ballistic impact SMA spectra
Date of Defense	1996-12-09
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract Graphite epoxy composites lack effective mechanisms for absorbing local impact energy often resulting in penetration and a structural strength reduction. The effect of adding small amounts of two types of high strain hybrid components on the impact resis tance of graphite epoxy composites subjected to projectiles traveling at ballistic velocities (greater than 900 ft/sec) has been studied. The hybrid components tested include superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA), a material having an unusually high stra in to failure (15 - 20%), and a high performance extended chain polyethylene (ECPE) known as Spectra™, a polymer fiber traditionally used in soft and hard body armor applications. A 1.2% volume fraction superelastic SMA fiber layer was embedded on the specimens front, middle, and backface to determine the best location for a hybrid component in the graphite composite. From visual observation and energy absorption values, it was c oncluded that the backface is the most suitable location for a high strain hybrid component. Unlike the front and middle locations, the hybrid component is not restricted from straining by surrounding graphite material. However, no significant increases in energy absorption were found when two perpendicular SMA layers and an SMA-aramid weave configuration were tested on the backface. In all cases, the embedded SMA fibers were pulled through the graphite without straining to their full potential. It is believed that this is due to high strain rate effects coupled with a strain mismatch between the tough SMA and the brittle epoxy resin. However, a significant increase in energy absorption was found by adding ECPE layers to the backface of the composite . With only a 12% increase in total composite mass, a 99% increase in energy absorption was observed.
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