Anti-Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Technologies

This Phase I SBIR will show that 1) a novel metal lamination process, Ultrasonic Consolidation (UC), provides anisotropic, inhomogeneous armor with capability to disrupt the axial symmetry of armor piercing munitions, 2) that UC can support in-field retrofit of armor to existing vehicles, and 3) that UC provides automated counterfire feasibility. Ultrasonic Consolidation is a solid state, additive manufacturing process that produces fully dense metal laminates. UC features that make it a high potential technology for in theater retrofitable armor include 1. Energy absorption through anisotropic, laminar structures 2. Ability to incorporate multiple monolithic and composite materials for improved ballistic performance 3. Ability to insert single or multiple ceramic layers 4. Can be applied to existing vehicles and structures 5. Sensors such as optical fibers, antennas etc., can be embedded in armor to determine the extent and location of damage 6. It may be possible to produce reactive armor with multiple repeating capability using this technique due to the low temperature, solid state manufacturing process Background on the technical aspects of the UC process is provided to illustrate the broad significance and potential for this process in armor applications, followed by the Technical Objectives and Phase I Work Plan.