Design Methodology and Validation for Multifunctional Composite Armor (MSC P0G01-032)

Nanocomposites consisting of nanotubes in a polymer matrix have the potential tosignificantly enhance the energy absorbing capacity and ballistic impact resistancefor ultr-lightweight personnel armor. Multiwalled nanotubes (MWNT) in polycarbonateshowed substantial compressive strength enhancement and improved ballistic impactresistance over the unreinforced polymer. MWNT in polyurethane also showed improvedballistic performance. The phase II program proposes to optimize the affect ofMWNT's, single walled nanotubes and SiC nanotubes in typical ballistic polymersystems of polycarbonate, polyurethane and polydicyclopentadiene. The nanotubeswill be chemically modified with a variety of functional adducts to provide chemicalinteraction with the polymer to enhance interface bonding for improved ballisticperformance. Large quantities of nanotubes will be produced for compositedevelopment and scale-up demonstration to produce plates 12x12 inches as well asdemonstrating helmets. Ballistic testing to a variety of threats will be conductedby MER at Simula's Ballistic Laboratory throughout the program. The goal is todemonstrate nanotube-polymer composites with increased protection and/or lighterweight at the same level of protection, with areal density <3.5 lbs/ft2 to defeat7.62 bullet threats at a composite cost in the range of $25-100/lb. Optimizedcomposites and fabricated components will be delivered to the Army and field testedto verify ballisticlaboratory test performance.