Fabrication technique using a core and cavity mold of a hybrid composite ballistic helmet

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Alim, M.S.A.M.^* | Mustapha, F. | Abdullah, M.N. | Sultan, M.T.H. | Muda, M.K.H.

Affiliations: Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor 43400, Malaysia

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: M.S.A.M. Alim, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor 43400, Malaysia. %****␣jcm-21-jcm200047_temp.tex␣Line␣25␣**** Tel.: +603 9769 6404; Fax: +3 8656 7122; E-mail: shamsul_azmi@tatiuc.edu.my.

Abstract: Material used for helmet technology has transformed moderately little since the introduction of aramids, which ballistic helmets still uses woven aramids with a thermoset resin system. Most widely used strengthening material for ballistic helmet is Kevlar fibers which comprise outstanding impact resistance and high strength to weight ratio. For Kevlar reinforcement and resin shaping process, composite materials uses molding process in the fabrication methods. The most vital fabrication method is the hand lay-up process. Hand lay-up process normally consists of laying a dry fabric layer by hand onto a mold to shape into desirable design and shape. After the lay-up process is done, resin is then applied to the dry plies. There are several accessible curing methods and the most commonly used method is to let the product to cure at room temperature. This paper presents the fabrication process of ballistic helmet using a hand lay-up fabrication process with a core and cavity mold. This paper also describes the helmet mold design, materials and processing methods.

Keywords: Ballistic helmet, military helmet, mold, hybrid composite, fabrication

DOI: 10.3233/JCM-200047

Journal: Journal of Computational Methods in Sciences and Engineering, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 623-629, 2021