Ballistic characteristics of ceramic core sandwich structures

Abstract

The ceramic core sandwich structure (CCSS) is a lightweight material with advantages of high anti-ballistic impact performance, high energy absorption and high specific strength. The ballistic performances of the CCSS with metal face plates hit vertically by projectiles with the nose shapes of conical, flat, and hemispherical are studied analytically and numerically in this paper. Based on the principle of energy conservation, an analytical model of ballistic characteristics of the sandwich ceramic core structure is developed. Numerical calculations are conducted, and the numerical model has been verified by experimental results from references by others. In addition, the analytical results agree well with finite element results. The effects of shape of projectile head, the thickness ratio of three plates of CCSS, and the ratio of shear strength of ceramic core to yield strength of metal face plates on the ballistic characteristics of the CCSS are discussed. It is shown that the conical-nosed projectile achieved the highest ballistic limit velocity (BLV) and the sharper nose increases the normal stress at the impact area thereby enhancing the BLV. The thickness of the ceramic core significantly influences the resistance of the CCSS and the thicker ceramic core enhances the ability of CCSS to absorb kinetic energy from the projectile. Furthermore, an appropriate increase in the yield strength of face plates can enhance the anti-ballistic impact performance of the CCSS. These insights have practical implications for the design of protective systems in military and civilian applications, where optimizing materials for impact resistance is crucial.