Research interests and Projects
Laminated Composites under Dynamic Loading (Ballistic penetration by
projectiles)
It is always of interest how panels will fare under the impact of high speed projectiles. There has been considerable work on the ballistic capability of metal structures. For Fibre Reinforced Plastics (FRP), the phenomenon of Ballistic penetration can be very complicated, with multiple modes of failures.
Experimentally, the Laboratory High Pressure Air Gun will be utilized to propel the projectile into high speed. The specimen are clamped on a fixture, which can be manipulated to realize oblique angle penetration.
Analytical model is under way to predict the penetration of projectiles, the failure of fibres, and the ballistic impact. Programs are written in BASIC and FORTRAN to facilitate such prediction.
The Project is sponsored by the DSO Pte Ltd under the Ministry of Defense.