Laser-Induced Damage of UHMW-PE-Based Layered Ballistic Materials

Can Candan ¹, Emine Yasemen Kaya Çekin ², Elif Türkan Akşit Kaya ²

⁰Department of Physics, Middle East Technical University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey.

Acs Omega +

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November 25, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study investigates laser-induced damage in layered ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) composites. Numerical and experimental results validate a model for laser shielding applications.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Optics
Engineering

Background

Laser-induced damage threshold is critical for selecting materials in laser shielding.
Ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) composites are explored for laser shielding due to their ballistic applications.
Understanding laser-material interactions in layered structures is essential.

Purpose Of The Study

To assess and analyze the laser-induced damage mechanism in layered UHMW-PE material structures.
To develop and validate a numerical model for laser-induced damage in UHMW-PE composites.
To investigate the influence of geometry, power, and density on laser damage.

Main Methods

Conducted numerical modeling of laser-material interactions.
Performed experimental investigations on layered UHMW-PE structures.
Developed a laser-material interaction model incorporating optical, thermal, and structural properties.

Main Results

Achieved consistent alignment between model-based numerical calculations and experimental results.
Validated the laser-induced damage mechanism in layered UHMW-PE structures.
Observed nonlinear behavior in certain high-power laser exposure scenarios (up to 5 kW at 1075 nm).

Conclusions

This research provides the first combined numerical and experimental analysis of laser-induced damage in layered UHMW-PE for high-power laser exposure.
The validated model accurately predicts laser-induced damage mechanisms in these composite structures.
Findings are crucial for optimizing UHMW-PE materials and geometries for laser shielding applications.