Normal and Oblique Impact on Polyurea-Coated ASTM1045 Steel Plates by Small-Arms Projectiles

Abstract

Small-caliber steel core projectiles fired by light weapons pose a great threat to metal structures. Coating with polyurea (PU) is a potential option to improve the anti-penetration performance of metal structures. In this work, we carried out numerical simulations to clarify the dynamic characteristics of PU-coated ASTM1045 steel plates subjected to oblique penetration by 5.8-mm small-caliber steel core projectiles. The failure modes, dynamic response process, energy absorption characteristics, and comprehensive protection effects of target plates with different coating positions and thicknesses during the penetration process were compared and analyzed. The result showed that coating with a certain thickness of PU could enhance the protection ability of the steel plate against the oblique penetration of projectiles. In contrast to the results obtained from experiments in which the projectile penetrated the composite plate normally, when the PU coated both sides, the effect of improving the oblique penetration resistance of the steel plate was the best. The effect was lowest with a PU layer only on the back face. This study provides a reference for strengthening the bulletproof performance of various systems, including steel structures, weapons, and vehicles.