An In-Depth Analysis of Competing 3-D Printed Methods for the Mobile Manufacturing of Body Armor at the Point of Need
Abstract
The goal of this work is to present results of mechanical characterization and ballistic investigation of 3-D printed alumina (Al2O3)-based armor plates. The 8-mm-thick plates were manufactured using two additive manufacturing-based methods: pressurized spray deposition and direct ink write (DIW). The DIW Al2O3 plates exhibited superior hardness, flexural strength, and density compared to the tape cast plates. Plates (90 mm x 90 mm x 8 mm) of this composition were manufactured for ballistic analysis in accordance with established ballistic characterization procedures, using a 50.8-mm-thick aluminum 6061 plate as backing and witness plates in the case of penetration or deformation. Six Al2O3 plates were examined ballistically (one shot per plate) against the 12.7-mm APM2 projectile (45.9 g) at an impact velocity of 840 m/s. The plates that were manufactured using the DIW method provided a higher impact resistance than the tape cast method.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1071256
Entities
People
- Benjamin Becker
- Bill Goodman
- Brian T. Scott
- Lionel Vargas-gonzalez
- Tyrone L. Jones