Function-Oriented Fastener Design for Composite Armor under Ballistic Impact

摘要

The objective of this research is to investigate the fastener design problem for a ceramic armor under ballistic impact and other loading conditions. An innovative design methodology, function-oriented material design, is extended for the armor fastener design problem. This includes ballistic impact analysis of the armor, function analysis and target setting of the fasteners, algorithms of the optimal design process, and the design optimization of the fasteners. The performance of a nominal fastener design is evaluated using LS-Dyna3D, which provides loading conditions for the optimal design process of an advanced fastener. The final goal is to lay out a new fastener concept that ensures connecting rigidity under normal working conditions and prevents the early damage of the fasteners under ballistic impacts. Other design objectives, such as manufacturability of the design, have also been considered in the design process through a special axis-symmetry constraint imposed in the optimization process. Examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new design methodology developed.