Multiple Hit Performance of Small Arms Protective Armor

This proposal will investigate body armor systems to the effects of burst fire. In Phase I, the team of researchers will investigate the spatial distribution of impacts of common burst fire capable rifles, demonstrate a statistical analysis technique, and demonstrate a ballistic model approach while applying this research to a surrogate body armor solution. The program will begin with an analysis of shot pattern data from a study that was later used in development of the ATPD 2352 armor requirement. Next, the data will be used to demonstrate statistical analysis techniques, investigating closeness of impacts. This data will then be the basis for both ballistic modeling and ballistic validation tests. First modeling will be done on a single impact into the ceramic target. Second, modeling will be completed with two impacts on the ceramic target, and will be repeated at increasing distances from the first impact investigating the effect of shot spacing. Third, modeling will be completed with shorter time duration between impacts, effectively mimicking a burst fire phenomenon. Testing will also be completed to compare to the modeling effort. This includes single shot tests, two impacts at varying distance and repeated with short time duration between impacts. The modeling and validation testing will be demonstrated using 7.62 APM2 projectiles. It is anticipated that a silicon carbide top plate bonded to an aluminum backing will be used to represent the body armor in the demonstration. The surrogate body armor target will be used instead of actual body armor, as mature models currently exist for both ceramic and aluminum. Phase I will effectively demonstrate the statistical modeling capability of impact data, ballistic modeling of surrogate body armor system, and ballistic testing to validate model results. This will then lead to a Phase II effort to aid development of burst fire resistant body armor systems to further protect the war fighter.