Ballistic Impact Response of Ceramic-Faced Aramid Laminated Composites Against 7.62 mm Armour Piercing Projectiles

  • Nityananda Nayak Proof and Experimental Establishment, Chandipur
  • Arkadeb Banerjee Proof and Experimental Establishment, Chandipur
  • P. Sivaraman Naval Materials Research Laboratory, Ambernath
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.63.2616
Keywords: Ballistic impact, ceramic-composite armor, ballistic limit, light weight armor, aramid composites, armor piercing

Abstract

Ballistic impact response of ceramic- composite armor, consisting of zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) ceramic front and aramid laminated composite as backing, against 7.62 mm armor piercing (AP) projectiles has been studied. Two types of backing composite laminates i.e. Twaron-epoxy and Twaron-polypropylene (PP) of 10 mm and 15 mm thickness were used with a ceramic face of 4mm thick ZTA. The ceramic- faced and the stand alone composite laminates were subjected to ballistic impact of steel core 7.62 mm AP projectiles with varying impact velocities and their V50 ballistic limit (BL) was determined. A sharp rise in BL was observed due to addition of ceramic front layer as compared to stand alone ones. The impact energy was absorbed during penetration primarily by fracture of ceramic, deformation and fracture of projectile and elastic-plastic deformation of flexible backing composite layer. The breaking of ceramic tiles were only limited to impact area and did not spread to whole surface and projectile shattering above BL and blunting on impact below BL was observed. The ceramic- faced composites showed higher BL with Twaron-PP as backing than Twaron-epoxy laminate of same thickness. This combination of ceramic-composite laminates exhibited better multi-hit resistance capability; ideal for light weight armor.

Defence Science Journal, 2013, 63(4), pp.369-375, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.63.2616

Author Biographies

Nityananda Nayak, Proof and Experimental Establishment, Chandipur

Dr N. Nayak obtained his MTech (Materials Sci. Engg.) from IIT, Mumbai and PhD in Chemistry (Materials science) from Fakir Mohan University, Balasore. He is presently working as Scientist ‘G’ in Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur and heading the Test & Evaluation Division. His areas of research include: Dynamic test and evaluation of all types conventional Armaments and ballistic evaluation of armor materials.

Arkadeb Banerjee, Proof and Experimental Establishment, Chandipur

Mr Arkadeb Banerjee obtained his BE (Mechanical Engg.) from BE College, Shibpur, West Bengal, currently pursuing his doctoral research from Jadavpur University, Kolkata while working as Scientist ‘D’ in Test and Evaluation Group of PXE, Chandipur. His areas of research include: Dynamic evaluation of MBT ARJUN armaments, armours and numerical modeling of ballistic impact of armours.

P. Sivaraman, Naval Materials Research Laboratory, Ambernath

Mr P. Sivaraman obtained his MSc (Materials Sci.) from Pondicherry University and MTech (Polymer Sci. Tech.) from IIT Delhi. Presently working as Scientist-E at Naval Materials Research Laboratory, Ambernath. His areas of research include: Polymer composites, super capacitors and batteries.

Published
2013-07-22
How to Cite
Nayak, N., Banerjee, A., & Sivaraman, P. (2013). Ballistic Impact Response of Ceramic-Faced Aramid Laminated Composites Against 7.62 mm Armour Piercing Projectiles. Defence Science Journal, 63(4), 369-375. https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.63.2616
Issue
Vol 63 No 4
Section
Armaments & Explosives
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