Battlefield Armor Repair Kits. Part 2.
Abstract
A number of adhesives specially designed for low temperature application and a polyester with a federal stock number were evaluated along with a group of cements. Since the cements must be mixed with water, they are useful to temperatures just above the freezing point (32 F). The adhesives were stored overnight at 32 F and the lap shear tests were performed in a special chamber which was also cooled to 32 F. The two ITW adhesives and the auto body filler showed good adhesion characteristics at 32 F and were tested further, along with four cements. The four cements and the auto body filler were subjected to a 500 ft/lb impact test. The auto body filler remained in place in the hole after the impact. The Armor-Plug and Durcal each lost a small amount of material. Methods of heating armor from temperatures below 32 F to the preferred application temperature range, above 50 F, were explored. Two methods, the self-regulating heater, and the NASA torroid induction heater were promising. Explosion tests were conducted on steel and aluminum armor repaired with auto body filler (50% polyester resin, 50% magnesium silicate) and armor-plug (gypsum-based reinforce cement). Both fillers could withstand the shock of a 3/16-lb pentolite explosion 4 inches from the damaged area. Both the autobody filler and armor plug were also subjected to vacuum testing (for moisture resistance) and chemical agents testing. Although both products performed acceptably armor plug is easier to apply and is odorless, and was therefore preferred by the soldiers. Both products have a shelf-life of two years. Armor plug costs $.34/application; Autobody filer $.22/application.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA168636
Entities
People
- Alan J. Goldman
- Dennis W. Gosselin