Ballistic analysis of quasi-isotropic CFRP laminates with different layup configurations

Abstract

At present, the contribution of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) is imperative in various industrial sectors. The present study investigates ballistic response of thin quasi-isotropic CFRP laminates with different layup configurations through a combined experimental and numerical analysis. Different shapes of projectile were fired using pneumatic gun setup on the CFRP laminates. In addition, 3D finite element (FE) models of CFRP laminates and different projectiles were formulated in ABAQUS/Explicit for the evaluation of impact performance of the laminated composites. Hashin damage criterion was adopted to simulate the behavior of the CFRP targets. The FE model was verified by comparing the numerical and experimental calculations. After model verification, the parametric study was carried out and it involves the effect of layup configurations, laminate thickness, angle of impact, projectile shape, and striking velocities. Six different shapes of projectile were impacted on 12 different layup configured laminates. The square shaped laminates were subjected to normal as well as oblique impact. The perforation features such as ballistic limit, residual velocity, energy absorption was calculated. Also, the damage in the laminates was analysed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The perforation characteristics were found to be slightly different in normal and oblique impact. Moreover, noticeable differences in the damage contours and impact performance of the targets were observed. Out of twelve different configurations, laminates with 0° outer plies offer optimal balance between surface ply stiffness and interlaminar stress transfer, resulting in delayed perforation and enhanced energy absorption under various projectile exposure conditions. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.