Abstract

In the case of protection of transportation systems, the optimization of the shield is of practical interest to reduce the weight of such components and thus increase the payload or reduce the fuel consumption. As far as metal shields are concerned, some investigations based on numerical simulations showed that a multi-layered configuration made of layers of different metals could be a promising solution to reduce the weight of the shield. However, only a few experimental studies on this subject are available. The aim of this study is therefore to discuss whether or not a monolithic shield can be substituted by a double-layered configuration manufactured from two different metals and if such a configuration can guarantee the same perforation resistance at a lower weight. In order to answer this question, the performance of a ballistic shield constituted of a layer of high-strength steel and a layer of an aluminum alloy impacted by an armor piercing projectile was investigated in experimental tests. Furthermore, an axisymmetric finite element model was developed. The effect of the strain rate hardening parameter C and the thermal softening parameter m of the Johnson–Cook constitutive model was investigated. The numerical model was used to understand the perforation process and the energy dissipation mechanism inside the target. It was found that if the high-strength steel plate is used as a front layer, the specific ballistic energy increases by 54% with respect to the monolithic high-strength steel plate. On the other hand, the specific ballistic energy decreases if the aluminum plate is used as the front layer.

Highlights

  • The function of a ballistic shield is protection against external threats

  • This study aims at investigating both experimentally and with numerical models the performance of a ballistic shield composed of a layer of high-strength steel and a layer of an aluminum alloy impacted by a 7.62 mm armor-piercing projectile

  • The perforation resistance of double-layered ballistic shields manufactured by plates of different metals were experimentally investigated and compared with the performance of a monolithic target manufactured with high-strength steel of similar areal density

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Summary

Introduction

The function of a ballistic shield is protection against external threats. The architecture, and the thickness of the shield, is designed according to the required protection criteria. In the case of protection from projectile impact, the ballistic shield thickness depends on the penetration capability of the projectile which is in turn mainly determined by its hardness and kinetic energy. Projectiles, hard materials are necessary, which are usually either high-strength steel or ceramics. The optimization of the shield, which is the minimization of the mass of the shield required to withstand a specified threat, is of practical interest. Steels are characterized by high strength and hardness combined with high ductility and a low price, and, compared to more sophisticated armor materials, have excellent load carrying capability and formability [1]

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