A theoretical consideration of the ballistic response of continuous graphene membranes. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wetzel, Eric D.; Balu, Radhakrishnan; Beaudet, Todd D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the mechanics and physics of solids. Volume 82(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 31
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Graphene -- Ballistics -- Armor -- Impact -- Textiles; Mechanics, Applied -- Periodicals; Solids -- Periodicals; Mechanics -- Periodicals; Mécanique appliquée -- Périodiques; Solides -- Périodiques; Mechanics, Applied; Solids; Periodicals; 531.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2015.05.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-5096

Abstract

Abstract: The remarkable properties of graphene, including unusually high mechanical strength and stiffness, have been well-documented. In this paper, we combine an analytical solution for ballistic impact into a thin isotropic membrane, with ab initio density functional theory calculations for graphene under uniaxial tension, to predict the penetration resistance of multi-layer graphene membranes. The calculations show that continuous graphene membranes could enable ballistic barriers of extraordinary performance, enabling resistance to penetration at masses up to 100× lighter than existing state-of-the-art barrier materials. The very high elastic wave speed and strain energy to failure are the major drivers of this increase in performance. However, the in-plane mechanical isotropy of graphene, as compared to conventional orthotropic woven textiles, also contributes significantly to the efficiency of graphene as a barrier material. This result suggests that, for barrier applications, isotropic membranes composed of covalently bonded two-dimensional molecular networks could provide distinct advantages over fiber-based textiles derived from linear polymers. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Analytical predictions for the ballistic resistance of graphene are presented. Performance is 10–100× better, per mass, than conventional barrier materials. 2D molecular structures are inherently advantageous for ballistic barriers.