Ballistic performance of the structure-modified plain weaves with the improved constraint on yarn mobility: Experimental investigation

Abstract This paper investigates the possibility of constraining yarn mobility and consequently improving the ballistic performance by modifying the structure of the plain weaves. The constraint on yarn mobility was characterized by the increase in the inter-yarn frictional force, which was confirmed by the yarn pull-out test. Ballistic penetration tests were performed to study the performance of plain weave and the structure-modified fabrics at impact velocities from the ballistic limit up to 400 m/s. It was found that the ballistic performance of structure-modified fabrics outperformed the plain weave significantly, showing a 21.7% and 50% increase in ballistic limit and energy absorption, respectively. Images obtained from the high-speed camera revealed that the secondary deformation was generated in the vicinity of the crossovers of the primary warp yarns and the gripping lines, serving to mitigate the stress concentration and to assist in energy dissipation during a ballistic event. It was also found that the structure-modified fabrics exhibit inferior energy absorption capability when the projectile impacts the gripping insertions. The observed improvements in performance could have been offset by the lines of weakness.