Munitions Survivability Technology: A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Two Different Blanket Designs for Protecting Against an Indirect Fragment Threat
Abstract
This report describes the results of tests comparing the ballistic effectiveness of two types of Kevlar blanket when impacted by a steel fragment weighing 0.66 lb and having a velocity of 450 ft/s. This fragment, a right circular cylinder, was used to simulate the weight and velocity of a fragment that could be generated when a stack of barricaded M107 munitions detonates and throws fragments upward; when the fragment returns to the ground, the terminal velocity for this weight and shape was calculated to be 450 ft/s. Adjacent barricaded stacks of munitions could be impacted (indirect fragment impact) and react explosively, especially if the fragment is hot However, if a ballistic blanket covered the ammunition stack, the fragment could be prevented from reaching the munitions. The tests reported here were done using room-temperature fragments. A small gas gun was designed and built to launch the fragments to the required velocity; all fragments impacted the blanket head on. Test results indicate that, for the same areal density, a 3,000-denier tight-weave blanket is more effective for stopping fragments than a l500 denier loose-weave material. Also, an eight-layer, 3,000-denier blanket having an areal density of 0.76 lb/sq ft prevented fragment penetration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA373197
Entities
People
- Alfred L. Bines
- Vincent M. Boyle
- William B. Sutherland
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory