Date of Award
1-1-2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S. in Engineering Science
Department
Civil Engineering
First Advisor
Ahmed Al-Ostaz
Second Advisor
Hunain Alkhateb
Third Advisor
Ahmed Al-Ostaz
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
The protection of important infrastructure and vital resources of the United States is essential to the Nation's security. Attacks using the Nation's infrastructure as weapons of mass destruction could have a disturbing physical and psychological consequences. Work needs to be done to enhance the protection of the Nation's infrastructure to prevent, deter, or mitigate the effects of deliberate attacks by terrorist. Toxic inhalation hazard (TIH) chemicals such as chlorine gas and anhydrous ammonia are very dangerous hazardous materials. Rail transportation of TIH creates risk that exposes highly populated areas across the country to this threat. This study investigates the ballistic resistance and self-sealing nature of a quasi 3D tri-axial woven composite layered with polyurea against high power rifle bullet impact. This is done by evaluating the effectiveness of quasi-3D tri-axial woven composites in resisting .50 caliber rifle rounds and utilizing a high speed camera to visually inspect the self-sealing behavior. The concept is to utilize the increase in delamination resistance of tri-axial quasi 3D woven fabrics in conjunction with the hyper-elasticity of polyurea to design an improved ballistic protection system with self-sealing properties. For comparison, a layer of basalt fiber composite will be used in conjunction with the tri-axial Q3D weave and polyurea. The addition of the basalt layer is to see if the shock wave of the impact will yield different results with the thicker and stiffer bi-axial plain weave layered basalt composite. The unique geometry of the quasi-3D tri-axial weave is that it is infinitely repeatable in its thickness direction. This repeatability is done without utilizing discrete ply or large crimp angles. The geometry of the weave allows for greater energy absorption compared to a standard weave. The result is a self-sealing coating that can be applied to railcar tankers or stationary tanks carrying toxic chemicals without increasing the weight or carrying capacity of the tanker.
Recommended Citation
Saint, Brandon, "The Manufacturing and Ballistic Testing of Tri-axial Quasi Three Dimensional Woven Composites Layered in Polyurea" (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1294.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/1294
Concentration/Emphasis
Emphasis: Civil Engineering