Review of the penetration resistance performance of lightweight ceramic composite armor under high-speed impact

Abstract

Due to the constant updates in armor materials and structures, as well as the continuously increasing ballistic threats, higher requirements have been put forward for the ballistic performance of lightweight ceramic armor. In this paper, we first studied the types of ballistic threats faced by lightweight armor and determined the range of main materials and various combinations used in common ceramic composite armor, while comparing their performance with other constituent materials. Next, we reviewed the coupling mechanism of the projectile and target during the ballistic penetration process and the energy dissipation mechanism, and discussed the structural parameters that affect the ballistic performance of the ceramic composite armor. Finally, we pointed out the future direction of development for ceramic composite armor, reviewed the coupling mechanism of the projectile and target during the ballistic penetration process and the energy dissipation mechanism, and discussed the structural parameters that affect the ballistic performance of the ceramic composite armor.