Design and characteristics of hybrid composite armor subjected to projectile impact

Based on the understanding of material characteristics and interaction between projectile and target, an innovative lightweight hybrid composite armor target consisting of alumina ceramics pellets, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and two layers of Ti–6Al–4V (TC4) was designed and prepared. The target areal density of the armor panel was 7.98 g/cm2. The standard size of the armor panel was 150 mm × 150 mm × 28 mm. The penetration process of the armor subjected to the penetration of 12.7 mm armor piercing was investigated at the nominal velocity of 818 m/s. The energy absorbing mechanism revealed that the innovated armor was able to protect against the projectile, together with weight saving.

► A hybrid composite armor was designed. ► The armor could resist 12.7 mm AP penetration at the speed of 818 m/s. ► The armor structure did not produce a large area of damage in one shot. ► The armor proved it is potential to resist multi-hit in greater areal.