Experimental investigation on dynamic stab resistance of high-performance multi-layer textile materials

Stab-resistant textiles play a critical role in personal protection, necessitating a deeper understanding of how structural and layering factors influence their performance. The current study experimentally examines the effects of textile structure, layering, and ply orientation on the stab resistance of multi-layer textiles. Three 3D warp interlock (3DWI) structures ({f1}, {f2}, {f3}) and a 2D woven fabric ({f4}), all made of high-performance p-aramid yarns, were engineered and manufactured. Multi-layer specimens were prepared and subjected to drop-weight stabbing tests following HOSBD standards. Stabbing performance metrics, including Depth of Trauma (DoT), Depth of Penetration (DoP), and trauma deformation (Y_max, X_max), were investigated and analyzed. Statistical analyses (Two- and One-Way ANOVA) indicated that fabric type and layer number significantly impacted DoP (P < 0.05), while ply orientation significantly affected DoP (P < 0.05) but not DoT (P > 0.05). Further detailed analysis revealed that 2D woven fabrics exhibited greater trauma deformation than 3D WIF structures. Increasing the number of layers reduced both DoP and DoT across all fabric structures, with f3 demonstrating the best performance in multi-layer configurations. Aligned ply orientations also enhanced stab resistance, underscoring the importance of alignment in dissipating impact energy.