In this paper, an experimental program has been conducted to study the normal perforation of a small caliber projectile into metal/composite targets. This program is concerned with the determination of ballistic resistance for a set of targets, consisting of kevlar/epoxy composite with different thicknesses faced by 1.6 mm-thick duralumin plates. The used textiles (kevlar-129) for manufacturing the composites have a new weave shape (3D weaver"'), which permits the epoxy resin to diffuse through it. In addition, tensile tests of manufactured composite specimens are performed to determine their mechanical properties. An analytical model has been presented to describe the penetration process of metal/composite lightweight targets and to evaluate their ballistic resistance against small caliber projectiles. The present model consists of two parts; the first is based on energy balance principle for modeling the projectile penetration into a thin metallic plate failed by petalling [1], whereas the second uses the circumferential strain as a failure criterion for modeling the projectile penetration into a composite target [2]. The main equations representing analytical model are presented. These equations are arranged and compiled into a computer program. The input data to run the program are easily determined.
Representative samples of the obtained results are presented with relevant analyses and discussions. The ballistic measurements of the experimental program are compared with the model predictions; good agreement is generally obtained. In addition, new target configurations are constructed and tested; these targets have the capability for defeating the projectile with the highest impact velocity used.