Experimental study of hybrid soft ballistic structures

Abstract

This paper presents studies on perforation and trauma resistance of hybrid soft structures. A selection of hybrid configurations were tested experimentally with a 7.62×25mm Tokarev projectile. Hybrid packages included a wide range of textiles used for personal protection from laminates through plain-woven and multiaxial fabrics to felt. Their effectiveness was evaluated by reference to homogenous packages.The conducted examination demonstrated that hybrid packages employing stiff anti-trauma liners can reduce backface deformation by about 10% compared to homogenous packages. However, too many stiff layers deteriorates perforation resistance by shortening the distance in which a projectile is arrested. Utilization of felt material has a positive effect on trauma and perforation resistance. Soft layers with substantial thickness decrease impulse force and allow projectiles to be stopped over a longer distance. Hybrid packages with felt material have one major drawback in that they are a few times thicker than the other structures tested. An optimal compromise between ballistic performance and thickness is provided by panels based on unidirectional laminates combined with felt and stiff anti-trauma layers. Coupling of plain woven fabric and unidirectional laminate was found to be less efficient than packages entirely made of unidirectional laminate.