A computational constitutive model has been used to characterize the progressive failure behavior of 3D orthogonal weave composite plates subjected to ballistic impact conditions. Using a meso-mechanics approach, a 3D composite composite layer is represented by a collection of selected numbers of representative yarn bundles with proper volume fractions. The damage progression in the yarn bundles is assumed to be governed by the strain-rate dependent bundle progressive failure model using the continuum damage mechanics approach. The composite failure model has been successfully implemented within LS-DYNA as a user-defined material subroutine. In this paper, the ballistic limit velocity (V50) was established for a series of 3D weave designs by conducting ballistic impact tests on 3D woven S2-glass composite plates. The V 50 results were compared to that of traditional 2D laminate S2-glass composite plates. Damage areas of each impact location were quantified and evaluated. The dynamic deflections of the composite plates during ballistic impacts were measured using high speed digital cameras and Digital Image Correlation software. Correlation of the predicted and measured values has been conducted to validate the accuracy of the ballistic modeling approach for 3D composite materials. The availability of this design tool will greatly facilitate the development of composite structures with enhanced ballistic survivability.
