Abstract
Using interlayers of rubber adds a positive effect to the synergy of disruptor–absorber armors. Emerging from its viscoelasticity the material is able to transform mechanical stress into heat. The dynamic mechanical properties of elastomers depend on both ambient temperature and frequency of an applied mechanical load. The damping shows a maximum in the glass transition area. If the frequency of the glass transition is in the magnitude of the mechanical stress rate applied by ballistic impact, the elastomer will undergo the transition and thus show maximized damping. An ideal material for ballistic protection against small calibers is developed by making use of dynamic mechanical analysis and the time–temperature superposition principle. The material is later analyzed by ballistic experiments and compared to other nonideal rubbers with regard to glass transition temperature, hardness and damping. It is shown that by choosing a material correctly with certain glass transition temperature and hardness, the ballistic properties of a steel–rubber–aluminum armor can be enhanced. The chosen material (butyl rubber) with a hardness of 50 °ShA is able to enhance energy absorption during ballistic impact by around 8%, which is twice as good as other rubber with non-optimized properties.
Highlights
Due to a steadily increasing threat of sniper attacks, it becomes more important to provide more efficient armor systems for the military and for the protection of civilian infrastructure and vehicles
By observing the behavior of a rubber-coated aluminum plate under a high-velocity impact, it can be seen that this material shows an improved behavior compared to other rubbers with non-optimized glass transition temperatures, like styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) or butadiene rubber/natural rubber (BR/NR)
In an attempt to increase the effectiveness of rubber interlayers in sandwich-armors, the research focus was put on optimizing viscoelastic properties
Summary
Due to a steadily increasing threat of sniper attacks, it becomes more important to provide more efficient armor systems for the military and for the protection of civilian infrastructure and vehicles. Modern protection systems tend to use lighter and cost-efficient multilayered armors. An example for this are disruptor–absorber systems interlayered with different materials, instead of classic steel-only armors, which would have to be thick and heavy to stop a high-energy kinetic threat. When a projectile hits a high-strength and usually brittle layer, a compressive stress wave is generated and propagates through the plate. When it reaches the back face of the plate, it is partially reflected back as a tensile wave, which may cause damage and cracks of more brittle materials. The underlying layer should act as a shock absorber, damp the transmitted impact energy and spread its kinetic energy over a broader area to prevent damage to the first layer [2,3,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
