TITLE:
Transverse Impact Response Analysis of Graphene Panels: Impact Limits
AUTHORS:
Muhammed Burak Sonmez, Hessam Ghasemnejad, Hamad Kamran, Philip Webb
KEYWORDS:
Graphene, Ballistic, Impact, CFRP
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Composite Materials,
Vol.9 No.2,
April
8,
2019
ABSTRACT: Explicit numerical studies were conducted to
determine the transverse impact response of graphene panels. Although the
mechanical properties of graphene are well documented in both quasi-static and
dynamic conditions via nano- and microscopic studies, the impact behaviour of
the material at the macroscale has not yet been studied and would provide
interesting and crucial insight in to the performance of the material on a more
widely recognizable scale. Firstly, a numerical impact model was validated
against an analytical impact model based on continuum mechanics which showed
good correlation between contact-force histories. The performance of graphene
panels subjected to impact was compared to the performance of panels composed
of aerospace-grade aluminium and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite. The graphene panel was found to exhibit
lower specific energy than aluminium and CFRP at the low-energy range due to
its inherently superior stiffness and intrinsic strength. On the other hand,
the ballistic limit of 3 mm thick
graphene panels was found to be 3375 m/s, resulting in an impact resistance 100
times greater than for aluminium or CFRP, making graphene the most suitable
material for high-velocity impact protection.