LAUSR

Abstract A new type of sandwich composite panel (SCP) is fabricated, with a novel combination of a core of fused-double-3D-mat composites made of E-glass sandwiched between layers of aramid -fibre mats for the efficient dissipation of energy when subjected to a ballistic impact. Novel methods of the SCP fabrication and indigenous techniques of the embodiment of the dilatant fluids within its cores have been discussed. The fabricated composites were subjected to high-velocity ballistic impact using 9 mm bullets of average velocity-400 m/s. It is observed that due to the incorporation of the dilatant fluid within the SCP, it could absorb 20.24% of the energy incident on it. The amount of energy absorbed is 43.96% more than that absorbed by the hollow composite and it recorded a percentage increase in absorbed energy per unit increase in mass by 22.43%. This allows the fabricated SCPs to be used in applications requiring enhanced energy dissipation.