Ballistic Performance of Aramid/Epoxy Composite Laminates Under FSP Impact: Experimental and Numerical Investigation

The ballistic performance of a non-commercial aramid/epoxy composite laminate subjected to Fragment Simulating Projectile (FSP) impact was investigated through combined experimental testing and numerical simulation. Ballistic tests were performed in accordance with STANAG 2920 to determine the ballistic limit velocity (V50). Complete and partial penetration responses were identified, with the ballistic transition region occurring between 412 and 452 m/s. The experimental ballistic limit was V50 = 440.57 m/s. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed in ANSYS® AUTODYN 2026 R1 using a Lagrangian formulation and an orthotropic constitutive model incorporating elastic behavior, stress/strain-based failure criteria, post-failure response, and geometric strain erosion. The numerical simulations predicted a ballistic limit of V50 = 440.65 m/s, corresponding to a relative difference of less than 0.03% with respect to the experimental result. The numerical model successfully reproduced the ballistic transition, damage evolution, projectile velocity history, and energy transfer during impact, providing good agreement with the experimentally observed penetration responses. These results demonstrate that the proposed methodology provides a reliable and validated framework for predicting the ballistic response of aramid/epoxy composite laminates under standardized FSP impact conditions and supports the design and evaluation of lightweight composite armor systems.