Failure Mechanisms in Armor Composites With Ballistic Damage

The overall objective is to develop a database of failure mechanisms and fracture properties in armor composites of interest to the Army. A building-block approach toward achieving this is suggested. The Phase I proposes investigating composites such as S2 glass/polyester and fiberglass/phenolic that has been subjected to ballistic damage. Phase I will choose three candidate composite systems for study, categorize required ballistic properties, and obtain panels for the test. The ballistic damage will be characterized using ultrasonic tests (through transmission and pulse-echo imaging). The panels will be ballistic tested as per MIL-STD-662. Fractures due to the ballistic damage will be characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. Correlations will be made between the fracture behavior, ballistic loads and material type. Phase II will propose expansion of the ballistic damage studies to include "real-world" variables including battlefield repair, fire and laser beam damage.