Alternative Test Methodology for Ballistic Performance Ranking of Armor Ceramics
Abstract
A laboratory test method of ranking the ballistic performance of ceramic materials is under development at the U.S. Army Materials Technology Lab. by the Ballistic Impact Behavior Group and Armor Systems Team. Ranking are based on residual penetration of a tungsten long rod fired at constant velocity through a laterally confined ceramic into a semi-infinite steel backup. By varying the thickness or areal density of ceramic from zero to a value producing no residual penetration, a ballistic performance map for the ceramic is generated. Different materials can be compared on the basis of residual penetration observed for a given areal density. Ceramics tested to date include aluminum oxide in 90% and high purity forms, titanium diboride, silicon carbide, and boron carbide. Performance rankings observed for these materials are in agreement with the rankings yielded by conventional V50 protection ballistic limit test methods. This test method requires fewer shots than V50 tests, has sensitivity comparable to present test methods, and avoids the fundamental problem of V50 dependence on armor design. As a consequence, it should prove to be valuable for acceptance testing of production materials, comparison testing to rank the performance of new materials, and for parametric analysis of ballistic performance variations resulting from material properties, cell size, confinement, and similar factors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA210587
Entities
People
- David Kokidko
- Patrick Woolsey
- Stephen A. Mariano