Ballistic Performance of Protection Structures Using Fiber Composites as Matrix Armor

Abstract

The protective performance of a composite structure composed of the composite layer (FC composite) as the matrix armor and the ballistic ceramic layer as the faceplate against Type 53 7.62 mm Armor-Piercing Incendiary (API) is studied. FC composite is used as the hybrid fiber layer mainly containing carbon fiber, and the ballistic ceramic layer is respectively made of three kinds of ballistic ceramics: alumina, silicon carbide and boron carbide. The results show that the weight of boron carbide ceramic is 14% ∼ 30% less than that of alumina ceramic and 10% ∼ 24% less than that of silicon carbide ceramic under equal thickness of the FC composite substrate. The lowest total areal density is 44 kg/m2 when the bearing capacity of the armored vehicle is basically satisfied.