Instrumented Projectiles for Measuring Impact Forces to Characterize Ballistic Behavior of Fabrics and Composites

The current laboratory methods used to experimentally evaluate the performance of textile armor fabric during ballistic impact do not provide time dependent load information. However, knowledge of the dynamic load spectrum imparted by a projectile to the fabric is required in order to properly characterize the dynamic response and failure mode of fabric yarns. What is needed is a real-time measuring technique that would provide information essential for the design and evaluation of both fabric and composite configurations common to these types of armor. To provide this capability McQ Inc. proposes to develop an advanced, ruggedized instrumented projectile (ARIP) that measures and records the dynamic force loading incurred during an impact. The capability provided by the ARIP will allow the Army to easily and accurately assess the performance of fabric/composite armor to impact in a manner never realized before. The technology developed by this project could be applied to civilian applications involving high rate impacts.