The investigation of the dynamical behaviour of functionally graded plates in collision with projectiles

Functionally graded materials (FGM) are a special kind of composite materials of which composition and properties vary within the material. As a result of this variation, desired properties can be obtained for a specific application. With its high abrasion resistance, impact resistance capabilities and superior thermal stress resistance, FGM is used more and more in industry as new generation composite material and offers high performance. However, most of the literature is about thermal properties of FGMs and data related to impact resistance of FGMs is limited. Armor technology is continuously developing and in the light of developments in material science, armors are becoming more lightweight and more efficient. Ceramics, metals and polymers are all used in different armor applications and closely monitored by industry. Recently, FGM plates consist of ceramic and metal materials have become an important topic in armor industry. The ability to bring the advantages of ceramics and metals together in one material represents an opportunity to develop a superior material for the industry. In this work, dynamical behaviours of 10 different FGM plates in collision with a projectile with 1 m/s speed are investigated by analysis method. The materials are chosen from the FGM literature. Material properties of plates change with 1 dimension. LS-DYNA software is used for analysis. Resulting displacements, contact forces and energy absorptions are compared. A way to understand impact resistance of FGMs without testing in the hope of eliminating very costly manufacturing and testing processes is studied. In addition, a modeling base is built for future armor studies.