# Numerical Analysis of Energy Dissipation and Frictional Effects in Aramid-Based Polymeric Fabrics Under Dynamic Loading

## TL;DR

This study uses simulations to understand how friction and impactor properties affect the performance of aramid fabrics under high-speed impacts.

## Contribution

The work quantifies the role of inter-yarn friction and impactor material in energy dissipation of aramid fabrics under dynamic loading.

## Key findings

- Low friction increases yarn mobility and penetration, while moderate friction improves stress-wave dispersion.
- Higher friction reduces penetration but may cause stress concentrations due to restricted yarn movement.
- Impactor material significantly influences deformation and energy transfer efficiency in aramid panels.

## Abstract

Aramid-based polymeric fabrics are increasingly employed in lightweight protective and structural applications where high strength, flexibility, and impact resistance are required. Their response under high-velocity impact is governed by complex interactions among fiber properties, inter-yarn friction, and the mechanical behavior of the impacting body. In this work, three-dimensional finite element simulations were conducted in ANSYS Explicit Dynamics to investigate the coupled effects of the interfacial friction coefficient (μ = coefficient of friction = 0.0–0.5) and impactor material on the dynamic response of 24-layer plain-weave aramid panels. The numerical results reveal that low friction facilitates yarn mobility and localized penetration, whereas moderate friction enhances stress-wave dispersion and enables a more uniform activation of multiple fabric layers. At higher friction levels, penetration is further reduced, but localized stress concentrations may emerge due to constrained yarn movement. The constitutive properties of the impactor strongly influenced deformation modes and the efficiency of kinetic energy transfer to the composite structure. The simulated results are consistent with experimental data reported in the literature, confirming the predictive capability of the model. The study provides quantitative insight into the role of frictional interactions and impactor characteristics in optimizing the energy absorption and structural integrity of aramid-based polymeric fabrics subjected to high-velocity loading, contributing to the development of advanced lightweight protective materials.