Dynamic Response of Oily Clay to Impact Loading

The characterization of the oil based clay response used as a backing material during ballistic impact of light armor testing is essential in assessment of level of potential injury, and effectiveness and certification of the body armor. The current standard for quantification of level of impact relies on the permanent imprint of the impact on clay backing material. Current investigations are in progress for the measurement of magnitude and rate of internal stresses within clay due to ballistic projectile impact. A finite element model of the projectile impact is developed. The dynamic characteristics of the oil based clay backing material are assessed through resonant column tests. The frequency dependent moduli and damping characteristics are determined under various confining pressures and temperatures. The strain and frequency dependency are characterized through appropriate hyperbolic fits.