Enhanced ballistic resistance of multilayered cross-ply UHMWPE laminated plates.

• The ballistic resistance of multilayered UHMMPE cross-ply laminates under the impact of blunt projectiles was investigated, both experimentally and numerically. • The penetration resistance could be improved by layering the target, and the enhancement was more pronounced as the number of layers was increased. • Mechanisms underlying the superior ballistic resistance of the multilayered target were discussed. Multilayered cross-ply ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) laminated plates were envisioned and their ballistic performance explored, both experimentally and numerically. High velocity impacts were performed on both monolithic and multilayered targets with identical areal density. Ballistic data were obtained, together with dynamic deformation features and failure modes for both target types. Full three-dimensional finite element (FE) simulations were carried out to calculate the dynamic response of each target and explore the underlying mechanisms. Good agreement was achieved between FE simulations and experimental measurements. The results revealed that multi-layering the target could relieve fiber tensile stresses on its rear face and generate a more significant pull-in effect at the edges, resulting in larger back-face deflection and enhanced ballistic resistance. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]