Experimental Investigation of the Ballistic Response of Composite Panels Coupled with a Self-Healing Polymeric Layer

In this study, multifunctional panels with structural and self-healing capabilities were experimentally investigated under high velocity impact conditions. The panels were composed of two layers, one made of fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) and the other of a self-healing ionomer, assembled in four different configurations with surface density ranging from 6.85 to 7.49 kg/m2. A total number of 16 impact experiments are reported, where spherical aluminium projectiles with diameters from 2.3 to 4.5 mm were shot at impact velocity, which varied from 2.0 to 2.5 km/s. The panel response was analysed in terms of (1) impact damage; and (2) capability to protect equipment located behind the panel from the cloud of fragments ejected downrange after panel perforation. Successful hole sealing was observed in panels consisting of a carbon FRP laminate and ionomer plate hit by projectiles up to 3.5 mm in diameter. The damage of the target was somewhat smaller when the ionomer was on the panel’s rear side. Such panels presented smaller debris cloud spread angle but lower momentum transfer to witness plates, suggesting that this panel configuration is preferable from the point of view of nearby equipment shielding effectiveness.