Fiber-Optic Instrumentation for Ballistic Impact Assessment

Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems Corporation (IFOS) proposes an approach of developing an optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based real-time instrumentation system for quantitative evaluation of the whole-field dynamic response of ballistic impacted specimens. IFOS"key innovation is in the use of advanced fiber optic sensing system that can measure the spatial deformation of the armor throughout the duration of the ballistic impact, leading to identification of effectiveness, possible transient effects and the resulting damage distribution. The sensing system is modular, uses electrically passive, electromagnetic interference (EMI) immune, multiplexable, fiber optic sensing technology with many sensors on a single lightweight commercial-grade optical fiber that is unobtrusively attached to the armor. As well as providing significant reductions in weight, power consumption, footprint and substantial increase in interrogation speed, the proposed development has diverse spin-off applications. The military applications are with the tactical and law enforcement sector by enabling characterization of the ballistic impact on military personnel protective tools, including helmets, body armor and vests. Improved body armor increases the survivability of the military, the law enforcement and border patrol personnel. This technology will provide real-time ballistic impact detection on various army lightweight vehicles including JLTV, MMWV, and MRAP