Adhesion Characteristics of External Protective Coatings for Combat Vehicle Bodyworks

Abstract

Special-purpose vehicles are designed to operate reliably for twenty to thirty years in a complex range of road, climatic and meteorological conditions, even when stored for long periods. Providing users with maximum protection against enemy paralysing agents, high off-road mobility and dynamic driving, as well as countermeasures against the enemy, are priorities in the technology of military special vehicles. That sets high standards for the protective materials - mechanical strength and corrosion resistance - used in the bodywork and interior. This paper presents the results of an experimental study of the quality of the external coatings on the bodies of special vehicles manufactured at different intervals and operated, among other things, in mountainous conditions with large temperature fluctuations during the day and at night, also under shock loads. Analysis of the results shows that the materials used for special vehicle body coatings are of high quality and meet expectations. Compared to older solutions, they are characterised by lower weight due to a thinner protective layer, while maintaining high strength and durability requirements.