Simulation and Test of Nanocomposites for Application in the Army

The purpose of this research is to simulate and test nanomaterial reinforced composites for potential applications in Army vehicles, especially for improved ballistic and blast protection. The resultant simulation and design system can address major concerns in functional requirements of nanomaterials in Army’s ground vehicles such as strength, durability, ballistic and blast impact resistance. An important part of this research is to develop a comprehensive modeling tool to predict nano-composite behaviors. Based on a unit cell model developed for nanoclay-epoxy composites, the effect of nanomaterial distribution on the maximum stress developed in an epoxy resin was investigated by including modeling of the nanocaly-polymer interface. Tests were conducted on composite laminate/armor coupons that were reinforced by nanocomposites, including quasi-static mechanical tests, drop tower tests, shock tube tests, and ballistic tests. The ballistic tests indicate that armor with nanoclay insertion can survive more rounds of projectile impact. Shock tube tests showed that the damage in the laminate is less severe for samples with nanoclay reinforced epoxy resin than for those without nanoclay reinforcement. In addition, deflection was reduced about 43% with the usage of nanoclay reinforcement in the epoxy resin.