Energy Absorption and Dynamic Deformation of Backing Material for Ballistic Evaluation of Body Armour

Debarati Bhattacharjee; Ajay Kumar; Ipsita Biswas

doi:10.14429/dsj.63.3821

Debarati Bhattacharjee Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh
Ajay Kumar Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh
Ipsita Biswas Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.63.3821

Keywords: Backing material, plasticine, back face signature, body armour, ballistic evaluation

Abstract

The measurement of back face signature (BFS) or behind armour blunt trauma (BABT) is a critical aspect of ballistic evaluation of body armour. BFS is the impact experienced by the armour wearing body, when subjected to a non-penetrating projectile. Mineral or polymeric clay is used to measure the BFS. In addition to stopping the projectile, the body armour can be used only when the BFS also falls within permissible limits. The extent of the BFS depends upon the behavior of the backing material in different loading conditions and prior history. This paper explains some of the studies carried out on the backing material used for ballistic evaluation in Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh. It has been observed that the backing material is highly non-linear viscoelastic in nature. The depth of deformation is also linearly proportional to the impact energy and temperature. The effect of time on the depth of deformation is gradual and does not influence the BFS values during a standard ballistic evaluation comprising of 6-8 shots.

Defence Science Journal, 2013, 63(5), pp.462-466, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.63.3821

Author Biographies

Debarati Bhattacharjee, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh

Dr Debarati Bhattacharjee, received her PhD (Textile E Engineering) from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. She is currently working as a Scientist ‘D’ at Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh. She is involved in ballistic evaluation of armour systems. Her areas of interest are : Textile and hybrid systems for high performance applications, advanced armour materials, and artificial neural networks.

Ajay Kumar, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh

Mr Ajay Kumar, obtained his BSc and MSc (Physics) from Chaudhary Charan Singh U University, Meerut, in 1995 and 1997, respectively. He has also obtained MTech (Nanoscience and N Nanotechnology) from Panjab U University, Chandigarh in 2011. He is presently working as Technical Officer ‘A’ at Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory, Chandigarh. He has published 6 research/technical papers.

Ipsita Biswas, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh

Ms Ipsita Biswas, obtained her MSc (Applied Mathematics) from J Jadavpur U University. She is currently working as Scientist ‘F’ and Joint Director of Ballistic Evaluation of Materials and High Strain Rate Studies Group at Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory, Chandigarh. Her areas of interest are : High velocity impact phenomena on armour materials, high caliber shells, and warhead effectiveness.