3-D Orthogonal Woven Composites in Armor Systems

"3TEX, Inc., the Center for Composite Materials at the University of Delaware, and the University of Rhode Island propose to further develop 3-D orthogonal woven composite materials for armor applications. We will use a combined approach of new materialsdevelopment, instrumented high strain rate and ballistic testing, and numerical impact simulation, to further phase 1 results on S-2 glass structural FRP systems, which showed 3-D woven composite offers significant improvements in multiple hit capabilityand damage containment. We will develop body armor inserts to defeat multiple hits of 7.62-mm M2AP as prototype deliverables. Further, we will develop flat panel test data on vehicle armor systems to defeat 7.62-mm M2AP, on thick S-2 glass armor sections,and on thin aramid/pehnolic flat panels, all using 3TEX 3-D weave technology. This can be used in subsequent design of light vehicle or handheld shield armor, in heavy armored vehicle sections, and in ballistic helmet design, respectively. In developing,testing, and simulating these constructions, we will also assess how through thickness fiber strength and continuity affect composite ballistic response. Anticipated benefits: 1. Prototype body armor inserts capable of stopping multiple hits of 7.62-mM2AP and lesser threats at attractive areal weights. 2. Ballistic performance of several free-hanging, flat panels tested against multiple hits of 7.62-mm M2AP, using 3Weave(TM) advantages shown in phase 1, from which light vehicle armor and personalshields could be designed. 3. Mass efficiencies of thick sections of 3Weave(TM) S-2 glass FRP against 20-mm FSP, from which thick vehicle armor could be designed. 4. Ballistic performance of flat panels of 3Weave(TM) aramid/phenolic composites, fromwhich ballistic helmets could be designed. 5. High speed digital photography of impact onto 3Weave(TM) ceramic-faced and all-FRP composite sections, giving experimental evidence of how varying the FRP reinforcement architecture varies ballistic response.6. Numerical simulations to help guide subseque