Experimental investigation of perforated multi-layered composite armor subjected to ballistic impact

Abstract

Ballistic protection of vehicles has become an important endeavor, as it concerns how occupants can possess a comfortable feeling together with a high level of protection during a shooting incident. In recent years, numerous forms of armor have employed several kinds of distinct materials to produce a new generation of panels to address the crucial issues in the structure of armor, such as how to provide high protection with reduced density combined with further increasing the stacking and bond strength between the layers of the panel. This study attempts to use a different approach represented by engineering design to combine with the high impact resistance and low weight, as well as high bonding between the laminate of the structure. The structure of the suggested armor consists of five main layers made of different materials: FRP composite materials, then two perforated layers of steel, followed by one perforated layer of rubber, and finally, one layer of aluminum. These layers were tested via 9 mm caliber to specify the ability of each layer to absorb the energy of the projectile and then the configuration of the layers depending on the function of each layer. However, the results offer a significant ballistic performance with reasonably reduced mass and excellent bonding strength between the layers of the structure.