Method of Layering Composite Sheets to Improve Armor Capabilities

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an armor system comprises a plurality of polylithic composite armor panels. Each of the polylithic composite armor panels comprising a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers comprise at least two layers having a different Young's modulus. Each of the plurality of layers comprising a plurality of sheets. The plurality of sheets comprise one or more fibers. The plurality of sheets have one or more respective weave characteristics.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This invention relates generally to the field of armor systems and more particular to a layering of composite sheets to improve armor protection.BACKGROUND[0002]Shape charges such as Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs) have accounted for a large number of combat casualties. Lethality of EFPs comes in part from the shape and arrangement of a concave copper cone, called the liner, which transforms into a forceful jet of fluidic metal which easily perforates armor. Despite focused efforts on armor development, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and other armored vehicles still cannot defend against these threats. More recently, armor solutions such as the FRAG Kit 5 have been used to protect military vehicles such as Humvees. However, these armor solutions typically weigh around 200 lb / ft2. Since nearly all army vehicles are thousands of pounds overweight, even without any additional armor protection solution, most of these approaches have proved imp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an armor system made up of polylithic composite armor panels. These panels have multiple layers with different materials and thicknesses. The panels can be flexible or rigid, depending on the desired level of impact. The panels can also have different weave patterns, which can influence their energy absorption and bending behavior. The system can be designed to increase the time it takes for a projectile to impact the armor, reducing the force exerted by the projectile. The patent also describes the use of delamination and the importance of fiber type, thickness, and weave directionality in the armor system. Overall, the patent provides technical solutions for designing armor panels that can protect vehicles and personnel from various projectile devices.

Problems solved by technology

Shape charges such as Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs) have accounted for a large number of combat casualties.

Despite focused efforts on armor development, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and other armored vehicles still cannot defend against these threats.

However, these armor solutions typically weigh around 200 lb / ft2.

Since nearly all army vehicles are thousands of pounds overweight, even without any additional armor protection solution, most of these approaches have proved impractical.

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