Ballistic impact performance of multi-phase STF-impregnated Kevlar fabrics in aero-engine containment

摘要

The current study focus on the multi-phase Shear thickening fluid (STF) treated high-strength fabrics which is an promising material for soft-wall containment casing. Three types of multi-phase STF were manufactured by adding graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to a nanosilica suspension system. Steady rheological property tests and yarn pull-out tests were conducted to determine the shear thickening behavior of the multiphase STFs and inter-yarn friction of their compound fabrics. Ballistic impact tests were conducted using titanium blade-like projectiles. The energy absorption, deformation evolution and damage patterns were investigated. Tests show that the addition of GO and CNTs resulted in a higher initial viscosity, a lower shear rate for onset of shear thickening and a lower thickening ratio. The enhancement of the frictional force is more striking for multi-phase STFs. The GO additives have the highest deformation in the ballistic impact tests, corresponding to the greatest energy absorption with a ballistic performance index 78.3% higher than that of neat fabrics. The results show great potential for reducing the weight of containment casing.