Numerical investigation on the effects of stacking pattern and thickness ratio on the ballistic performance of tortoiseshell-like glass composite

Abstract

Transparent protective composites inspired by natural tortoiseshell structures offer a promising solution for high-performance ballistic applications. However, the design optimization of these composites under dynamic impact conditions remains underexplored. This study systematically examines the effects of various stacking patterns, layer thickness ratios, and unit block side lengths on the ballistic performance of tortoiseshell-like glass composites. The results indicate that eccentric staggered configurations significantly outperform aligned and centered configurations due to enhanced stress wave attenuation at complex interfaces. Equal thickness ratios (1:1) optimize energy dissipation by balancing interfacial crack propagation and unit block damage, while unequal ratios degrade performance by concentrating stress in thinner layers. Notably, variations in unit block size have minimal impact on overall impact resistance, as increased interface length compensates for reduced interface density. These findings advance the development of bioinspired protective materials for military, aerospace, and civil safety applications, offering a pathway to mitigate trade-offs between structural weight and ballistic resilience.