Effect of Transverse Compression on the Residual Tensile Strength of UHMWPE Yarns

Abstract

Ballistic impact induces multi-axial loading on fiber-based armor systems in the form of axial tension, axial compression, transverse compression and transverse shear. Transverse compression during ballistic impact leads to permanent deformation and fibrillation resulting in degradation of material strength. This work investigates the effect of quasi-static transverse compression on the residual tensile strength of Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) yarns. Specifically, Dyneema® SK- 76 yarns are tested under quasi-static transverse compression and then under quasi-static tension. The results indicate that yarns are compressed non-uniformly under transverse compression and on an average there is only about 4% decrease in the strength of yarns compressed at average nominal strains of 77%.