Multiple Impact Behaviour of Nanoparticle Strengthened Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Composite Ballistic Helmet

Abstract:

This study evaluates the performance of a ballistic helmet made from carbon nanotube reinforced Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene composites, based on experiments conducted at the Blast Impact Simulation and Testing Laboratory, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur, India. Authors have carried out simulations using LS-Dyna^® to understand and predict the behavior of carbon nanotube reinforced ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene composite under ballistic impact conditions. The authors have validated the Finite Element model against experimental tests using a high-pressure gas gun at VNIT, Nagpur, India, with a single impact from an ogive-shaped hardened steel projectile at an impact velocity of 573 m/s. Results showed that carbon nanotube reinforcement enhanced the composite's mechanical properties, improving its ability to absorb energy and ballistic penetration resistance. The study highlights the potential of the said composites for ballistic protection, offering a balance of lightweight material and high-impact resistance. Further, it emphasizes the importance of combining simulations with experimental tests to predict material performance and suggests further optimization for enhanced protection. This research contributes to developing advanced military, law enforcement, and civilian protective gear materials.

• Periodical: Advances in Science and Technology (Volume 171)
• Pages: 135-146
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-8DuG4e
• Online since: December 2025
• Authors: Madhav D. Umbharatwala*, Manmohan Dass Goel, Marcus Maeder, Steffen Marburg
• Keywords: 9 mm Full Metal Jacket (FMJ), Ballistic Protective Helmet, Fabric Composite, Nanocomposites

References

[1] Carey, M. E., Herz, M., Corner, B., McEntire, J., Malabarba, D., Paquette, S., & Sampson, J. B. (2000). Ballistic helmets and aspects of their design. Neurosurgery, 47(3), 678–689.

DOI: 10.1097/00006123-200009000-00031

[2] Samil, F., & David, N. (2012). An ergonomic study of a conventional ballistic helmet. Procedia Engineering, 41, 1660–1666.

DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2012.07.365

[3] DOD Numbers for Traumatic Brain Injury Worldwide 2000-2024 Q2, as of. August 9, 2024. https://health.mil/Reference-Center/Reports/2024/12/30/2024-Q2-DOD-Worldwide-Numbers-for-TBI.

[4] Review of Department of Defense test protocols for combat helmets. National Academies Press eBooks.

DOI: 10.17226/18621

[5] Tam, T. & Bhatnagar, A., High-performance ballistic fibers and tapes (2016). Lightweight ballistic composites.

DOI: 10.1016/c2014-0-03657-x

[6] Al-Haik, M., Borujeni, A.Y. and Tehrani, M. (2016). Advanced fibrous composite materials for ballistic protection.

DOI: 10.1016/c2014-0-01733-9

[7] Jenson, D., & Unnikrishnan, V. U. (2014). Energy dissipation of nanocomposite-based helmets for blast-induced traumatic brain injury mitigation. Composite Structures, 121, 211–216.

DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2014.08.028

[8] Umbharatwala, M., & Goel, M. D. (2024). Experimental, numerical and analytical prediction of ballistic resistance of indigenously developed zirconia toughened alumina, Kevlar® and CFRP composite. Composites Part B Engineering, 282, 111582.

DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2024.111582

[9] Johnson, G. R., (1985). Fracture Characteristics of Three Metals Subjected To Various Strains, Strain Rates, Temperatures and Pressures. Engineering Fracture Mechanics (21), 31-48.

DOI: 10.1016/0013-7944(85)90052-9

[10] Anderson, C. E., Burkins, M. S., Walker, J. D., & Gooch, W. A. (2005). Time-Resolved penetration of B4C tiles by the APM2 bullet. Computer Modelling in Engineering & Sciences, 8(2), 91–104.

[11] NIJ standard for ballistic helmets. Standard No. 0106.0101. Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice; 1981 https://nij.ojp.gov/library/publications/nij-national-institute-justice-standard-ballistic-helmets.

DOI: 10.4135/9781412984386.n105

[12] Li, Y. Q., Li, X. G., & Gao, X. (2015). Modeling of advanced combat helmet under ballistic impact. Journal of Applied Mechanics, 82(11).

DOI: 10.1115/1.4031095

[13] Umbharatwala, M. D., Goel M. D., Tiwari G., and Andraskar N. (2024). Numerical Study on Performance Evaluation of Alumina 99.6%, Kevlar®, Aluminium Composite Armour Panels, Mechanics of Solids,59, 3068-3096.

DOI: 10.1134/S0025654424605172

[14] Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 1). Combat helmet. Wikipedia (Accessed on 27 January 2025). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_helmet.