Defeat mechanisms provided by slotted add-on bainitic plates against small-calibre 7.62 mm × 51 AP projectiles

Thin steel plates with an array of holes, i.e. perforated plates, are used as a passive add-on improving protective properties of armours against small-calibre projectiles. A number of holes in such plates increases the probability of asymmetrical contact between the plate and the projectile, due to which small-calibre projectiles may be destabilized or fragmented before they reach the main-armour. The aim of the study is to analyse the defeat mechanisms provided by 4-mm-thick slotted super-bainitic plates (Pavise™ SBS 600P) against hard-core 7.62 mm P80 0.30 AP × 51 (0.308 Win) projectiles. To show the dependence between the hit-point and projectile failure, moments when projectiles hit the pre-armour plate were recorded by an ultra-high speed camera and their behaviour after the impact was captured by the flash X-ray radiography. The obtained results complemented by the Lagrangian FEM analysis confirm that slotted steel plates have high protection effectiveness against small-calibre projectiles.