Effects of Curvature and Architecture on Ballistic Performance of UHMWPE Helmets

Abstract

Ballistic impact experiments were conducted on three types of Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) helmets. The three types of helmets had the same geometry, but different fiber orientations in the rear layers. The test data were used to evaluate the effects of architectures. Five impact locations were chosen to understand the effects of impact locations and curvatures. The experimental data from flat and cylindrically curved UHMWPE panels were also used to compare with the helmet test data.