Tubular modular ceramic composite armor

The ceramic composite armor, with its tubular modular design, utilizes an outer impact buffer layer and a circumferential metal constraint layer to solve the problem of large-area fragmentation of ceramic armor after penetration. This enables effective protection against various anti-armor munitions and rapid replacement, thereby improving the armor's protective capabilities and operational efficiency.

CN121346602APending Publication Date: 2026-01-16NANJING UNIV OF SCI & TECH
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202410944597.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-07-15
Publication Date
2026-01-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing ceramic armor is prone to large-area breakage and detachment after being penetrated, making it difficult to effectively cope with attacks from various anti-armor munitions, and replacing damaged armor consumes manpower and resources.

Method used

It adopts a tubular modular design, including an outer impact buffer layer, a circumferential metal constraint layer and a tubular ceramic buffer layer. By splicing multiple segmented tubular ceramic components, it forms an armor unit with strong penetration resistance. It can absorb shock waves, fix ceramic components and provide prestress, maintain the integrity of ceramic components, and achieve rapid replacement through modular design.

Benefits of technology

It improves the armor's resistance to penetration, effectively resists various types of damage, reduces surface density, and enables rapid replacement of damaged parts, thereby enhancing the armor's protective performance.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a tubular modular ceramic composite armor which is formed by splicing a plurality of armor units, and each armor unit comprises an outer side impact buffer layer used for absorbing impact waves generated by explosion and absorbing vibration impact generated by a damage element in the penetration process, and an inner side impact buffer layer used for absorbing impact waves generated by explosion in the penetration process. The buffer layer between the tubular ceramics is used for ensuring the integrity of adjacent unpenetrated ceramic parts; the circumferential metal restraint layer is used for fixing the plurality of partitioned tubular ceramic parts, is in interference fit with the partitioned tubular ceramic parts, and provides prestress for the partitioned tubular ceramic parts to enhance the penetration resistance of the partitioned tubular ceramic parts, so that the broken ceramic blocks are located in the tubular armor, and the penetration resistance continues to be achieved; the plurality of spliced tubular ceramics are used for resisting penetration, abrasion and etching fractured elastic rods and deflection penetration ballistic paths of bullets, explosion-formed projectile EFP damage elements, energy-gathered rod flow JPC / jet flow JET damage elements or rod-type armor-piercing bullets, and reducing the surface density of the armor; and the hollow gap of the tubular ceramic plays a role of spaced armor.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of bulletproof armor, specifically relating to a tubular modular ceramic composite armor. Background Technology

[0002] Ceramic materials have become a hot topic in anti-penetration structures due to their high hardness, high modulus, high compressive strength, and low density. However, ceramic materials are brittle and are currently mostly solid shapes such as sheets or spheres. Such ceramic armor will break and detach over large areas after penetration, which will significantly reduce the armor's protective capability over these large areas. Although there are technologies to increase the toughness of ceramics by adding fibers or whiskers, the cost is high and the manufacturing process is complex, making it difficult to reduce costs and promote widespread application in the short term. Currently, there are many types of anti-armor munitions with different damage mechanisms, and current armor structures are not able to comprehensively cope with the variety of anti-armor munitions. After being hit by munitions, large areas of armor usually need to be replaced, which is a huge test of manpower and resources in combat. How to better deal with the many types of anti-armor munitions, multiple attacks, and rapid replacement of damaged armor has been a problem that has been troubling researchers, and a new solution is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tubular modular ceramic composite armor that solves the technical problems of ceramic armor breaking and falling off over a large area after being penetrated, and better copes with various types of anti-armor munitions, multiple attacks, and the need for rapid replacement of damaged armor.

[0004] The technical solution to achieve the purpose of this invention is as follows:

[0005] A tubular modular ceramic composite armor, assembled from multiple armor units, each armor unit comprising:

[0006] The outer impact buffer layer is used to absorb the shock wave generated by the explosion and the vibration and impact generated by the damaging elements during the penetration process, so as to ensure the integrity of the ceramic parts that have not been penetrated.

[0007] A buffer layer between tubular ceramics is used to ensure the integrity of adjacent un-penetrated ceramic parts;

[0008] A circumferential metal constraint layer is used to fix multiple segmented tubular ceramic components and to provide prestress to the segmented tubular ceramic components to enhance their penetration resistance; after the ceramic armor is penetrated, the broken ceramic pieces are located inside the tubular armor to continue to provide penetration resistance.

[0009] Multiple pieces of tubular ceramic are spliced ​​together to resist the penetration of bullets, explosively formed projectiles (EFP), shaped charge jets (JPC / JET), or rod-type armor-piercing projectiles. They abrade and etch broken projectile rods, deflect the penetration trajectory, and reduce the areal density of the armor. The space gaps in the tubular ceramic act as spacers for the armor.

[0010] The significant advantages of this invention compared to existing technologies are:

[0011] (1) The tubular modular ceramic composite armor of the present invention can effectively protect against damage from multiple damage elements compared with the prior art.

[0012] (2) The outer impact buffer layer is made of non-metallic rubber, polyurea and metallic aluminum foam, which have energy-absorbing deformation function. It is used to absorb the shock wave generated by the explosion and absorb the vibration and impact generated by various damaging elements during the penetration process, so as to maintain the integrity of the ceramic parts that have not been penetrated.

[0013] (3) The circumferential metal constraint layer of the present invention is used to fix multiple segmented tubular ceramic parts, which are interference fits and provide prestress to the segmented tubular ceramic parts to enhance their anti-penetration ability; after the ceramic armor is penetrated, the broken ceramic pieces can be kept inside the tubular armor to continue to play an anti-penetration role.

[0014] (4) The tubular ceramic of the present invention is used to resist the penetration of bullets, EFP, JPC / JET and rod-type armor-piercing projectiles APFSDS, and reduce the surface density of the armor.

[0015] (5) The impact buffer layer between the tubular ceramic blocks of the present invention is used to ensure the integrity of adjacent un-penetrated ceramic parts.

[0016] (6) The tubular ceramic armor of the present invention is no longer a conventional sheet ceramic. Instead, the ceramic shape is changed to a hollow tubular shape, and instead of using a single, complete piece of ceramic, it is divided into multiple pieces and spliced ​​together to form a long column. Such a single piece of ceramic armor constitutes a unit structure of the entire armor (hereinafter referred to as an armor unit). This enables rapid modular replacement of damaged armor parts. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the tubular modular ceramic composite armor of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of a specific area.

[0019] Figure 3 (ab) is a cross-sectional view of the tubular modular ceramic composite armor of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of tubular modular ceramic composite armor to resist bullet penetration.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of tubular modular ceramic composite armor for resisting explosive impacts.

[0022] Figure 6 (ac) is a schematic diagram of the working principle of tubular modular ceramic composite armor anti-rod type armor-piercing projectile.

[0023] Figure 7 (a) is a test diagram of a rod-type armor-piercing projectile penetrating a single layer of inclined armor, and (b) is a test diagram of a rod-type armor-piercing projectile penetrating a double layer of inclined armor.

[0024] Figure 8 (ab) is a schematic diagram of the working principle of tubular modular ceramic composite armor against JET / JPC penetration.

[0025] Figure 9 (ab) is a schematic diagram of the working principle of tubular modular ceramic composite armor against EFP penetration. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown in (ab), a tubular modular ceramic composite armor of the present invention includes: an outer impact buffer layer 1, a circumferential metal constraint layer 2, segmented tubular ceramics 3, and a buffer layer 4 between the tubular ceramics. Multiple segmented tubular ceramics 3 are axially spliced ​​together, and the outer sides of the multiple segmented tubular ceramics 3 are constrained by the circumferential metal constraint layer 2. The outer impact buffer layer 1 is tightly attached to the outer side of the circumferential metal constraint layer 2. Thus, a single ceramic armor piece forms a unit of the overall armor. In practice, single armor units can be combined according to the required armor size, and damaged armor can be quickly replaced after damage. Designing conventional solid ceramic armor as tubular and segmenting a complete ceramic tube, with the circumferential metal constraint layer 2 providing support and constraint on the outside and the outer impact buffer layer 1 on the outside, ensures that damage to the preceding ceramics during operation does not affect the integrity of the subsequent ceramic armor. The modular design of the overall armor allows for assembly and rapid replacement according to the actual armor requirements.

[0028] The invention is characterized by the application of ceramic materials in ballistic armor, moving away from conventional sheet-like ceramics. Instead, the ceramic shape is changed to a hollow tubular form, and instead of using a single, continuous piece of ceramic, it is divided into multiple pieces and assembled into a long column, such as... Figure 1Multiple segmented tubular ceramic pieces 3 are constrained and fixed by a metal constraint layer 2 around their periphery. Outside the metal constraint layer 2 is an outer impact buffer layer 1 made of non-metallic buffer material. Such a ceramic armor piece constitutes a unit structure of the entire armor (hereinafter referred to as an armor unit). Compared with steel armor or even ceramic composite armor of the same thickness, this armor structure has a lower areal density. At the same time, as a new type of ceramic composite armor, it not only improves the penetration resistance, especially the ability to resist the penetration of multiple projectiles, but also enables the rapid modular replacement of damaged armor parts.

[0029] The segmented tubular ceramic material 3 mentioned includes, but is not limited to, various oxide ceramics, carbide and nitride ceramics such as alumina (Al2O3), zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si3N4), boron carbide (B4C), boron nitride (BN), and titanium diboride (TiB2), as well as other ceramic materials that can improve ceramic properties by adding other materials. The required ceramic type and thickness are selected according to the actual situation. For example... Figure 1 The segmented tubular ceramic 3 is constrained within the metal constraint layer 2, with an interference fit. The outer impact buffer layer 1 is made of non-metallic rubber, polyurea, or metallic aluminum foam, which possess energy-absorbing and deformation capabilities. The armor unit is a ceramic armor composed of multiple spliced ​​segmented tubular ceramic 3 pieces, the circumferential metal constraint layer 2, and the outer impact buffer layer 1. A thin layer of epoxy resin or silicone rubber, with a thickness of 0.1mm-2mm, is added between the spliced ​​segmented tubular ceramic 3 pieces as a buffer layer 4 between the tubular ceramic pieces. The cross-sectional shape of the tubular ceramic armor includes, but is not limited to, a circle; to improve the space utilization of the ceramic armor, it can be combined with shapes such as ellipses. The length and diameter of the ceramic armor unit are not fixed, which facilitates the assembly of the overall armor and is suitable for armor and logistical supply with various purposes and protection indicators. The ceramic armor unit is arranged at an angle, that is, the axis of the tubular ceramic forms a certain angle with the direction of projectile attack.

[0030] like Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the tubular modular ceramic composite armor resisting bullet penetration according to the present invention. Utilizing the tendency for bullets to ricochet when penetrating cylindrical armor, the tubular ceramic armor is designed such that, in the absence of ricochet, the ceramic on the inner side of the circumferential metal constraint layer 2 erodes the bullet, and the tilted armor also causes the bullet to deflect at a large angle, thereby weakening its subsequent penetration capability.

[0031] like Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the tubular modular ceramic composite armor for resisting blast impacts according to the present invention. When an explosive device detonates around the armor, the outer impact buffer layer 1 outside the circumferential metal constraint layer 2 can absorb the blast shock wave, ensuring the integrity of the internal ceramic.

[0032] like Figure 6(ac) is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the tubular modular ceramic composite armor against rod-type armor-piercing projectiles of the present invention. Because the armor is tubular, hollow, and inclined, it can be simplified as a rod-type armor-piercing projectile penetrating an inclined, spaced target. For example... Figure 6 (a) When a rod-type armor-piercing projectile penetrates an inclined, spaced target, the projectile rod may break, causing attitude deflection. Furthermore, as penetration progresses... Figure 6 (b) The tubular ceramic armor exacerbates the breakage and deflection of the projectile rod, and the internal ceramic components abrade and etch the broken rod. The design of the tubular ceramic armor also makes the penetration trajectory of rod-type armor-piercing projectiles more prone to deflection. In summary, the tubular modular ceramic composite armor of this invention greatly enhances protective capabilities.

[0033] like Figure 7 To visually observe the state of the rod-type armor-piercing projectile after penetrating sloped armor, high-speed laser photography technology was used to conduct tests on single-layer and double-layer sloped armor penetration of the rod-type armor-piercing projectile. Figure 7 (a) is a test diagram of a rod-type armor-piercing projectile penetrating a single layer of inclined armor. The projectile rod head is broken and fragmented, with the main body consisting of fragments 1, 2, 3, and 4. The attitude change is relatively small. Figure 7 (b) is a test diagram of a rod-type armor-piercing projectile penetrating a double-layered inclined armor. The projectile rod was severely broken and fragmented into 7 pieces. The penetration attitude changed drastically and deviated significantly from the initial trajectory direction, confirming that multi-layered inclined spaced armor can significantly reduce the penetration power of the rod-type armor-piercing projectile.

[0034] Figure 8 (ab) Schematic diagram of the working principle of tubular modular ceramic composite armor against JET / JPC penetration. After the JET / JPC damage element penetrates the first layer of ceramic components, the broken ceramic fragments collide and bounce within the tubular area, colliding with subsequent JET / JPC damage elements and interfering with the penetration process. Furthermore, since the JET / JPC damage element is relatively sensitive to blast height, the space gap in the tubular ceramic armor acts as a spacer, causing the JET / JPC damage element to break during penetration, thus significantly reducing the penetration power of JET / JPC.

[0035] Figure 9 (ab) Schematic diagram of the working principle of tubular modular ceramic composite armor against EFP penetration. This process is similar to the working principle of JET / JPC penetration resistance. The multi-layered tubular ceramic armor disrupts the integrity of EFP, and the built-in ceramic components can significantly reduce the penetration material of EFP.

[0036] In summary, the present invention provides a strong-constraint multilayer ceramic-metal composite armor that successfully utilizes the excellent properties of ceramics in the field of impact resistance, achieving anti-penetration function and improving anti-penetration capability.

[0037] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions described in the specification can still be modified or some of the technical features can be replaced in an equivalent manner. Such modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tubular modular ceramic composite armor assembled from a plurality of armor units, characterized in that, Each armor unit comprises: an outer impact buffer layer for absorbing the shock wave generated by explosion and the vibration impact generated by the penetrating process of the damage element to ensure the integrity of the non-penetrated ceramic piece; a buffer layer between the tubular ceramics for ensuring the integrity of the adjacent non-penetrated ceramic piece; a circumferential metal constraint layer for fixing the plurality of segmented tubular ceramic pieces and providing pre-stress to the segmented tubular ceramic pieces to enhance the anti-penetration ability of the segmented tubular ceramic pieces; after the ceramic armor is penetrated, the broken ceramic pieces are located in the tubular armor to continue to play the anti-penetration ability; a plurality of spliced tubular ceramics for resisting the penetration of bullets, explosive formed projectile EFP damage elements, jetting JPC / JET damage elements or rod penetrators, abrading, etching and breaking the bullet rods, deflecting the penetrating trajectory and reducing the areal density of the armor; the space gap of the tubular ceramic plays the role of spacing armor.

2. The tubular modular ceramic composite armor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The armor unit is arranged obliquely, i.e. the axis of the tubular ceramic forms a certain angle with the direction of the bullet attack, so that there is a pitch and yaw angle between the bullet and the armor.

3. The tubular modular ceramic composite armor of claim 1, wherein, The tubular ceramic adopts oxide ceramic, carbide and nitride system and toughened modified ceramic material.

4. The tubular modular ceramic composite armor of claim 1, wherein, The tubular ceramic and the circumferential metal constraint layer are in interference fit.

5. The tubular modular ceramic composite armor of claim 1, wherein, The outer impact buffer layer adopts a material with energy-absorbing deformation function.

6. The tubular modular ceramic composite armor of claim 1, wherein, The buffer layer between the tubular ceramics adopts epoxy resin or silicone rubber.

7. The tubular modular ceramic composite armor of claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the buffer layer between the tubular ceramics is 0.1mm-2mm.