Multi-Functional Hybrid Panel For Blast and Impact Mitigation and Method of Manufacture

Abstract

This invention relates to a multifunctional structure for mitigating the effects of explosions and impeding the penetration of projectiles that is also highly effective at supporting structural (i.e. static) loads. By wrapping a tile in multiple layers of high-performance fabric, upon impact by a projectile additional tensile forces are created, aiding in the deceleration of the projectile. With added layers the tensile forces aiding projectile deceleration increase, resulting in a ballistic panel for use in multifunctional structural/armor systems having a lighter weight and greater stopping power than conventional armor systems in addition to functioning as part of a structure for supporting static loads.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM FOR PRIORITY[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 321,612 entitled “Ballistic Response of Aluminum and Alumina Cellular Structures” filed on Apr. 7, 2010. The Applicants of the provisional application are Mark R. O'Masta and Haydn N. G. Wadley. This non-provisional application further claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 356,231 entitled “Ballistic Response of Aluminum and Alumina Cellular Structures” filed on Jun. 18, 2010. The Applicants of the provisional application are Mark R. O'Masta and Haydn N. G. Wadley. The above provisional applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.GOVERNMENT FUNDING[0002]This invention was made with government support under Grant No. N00014-07-1-0764 awarded by the United States Office of Naval Research. The government has certain rights in the invention.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Inven...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]In another aspect, consolidation of the wrapped tile occurs, finishing the wrapped tile into a compact tile without loose fabrics. The method of consolidation varies according to the fabric and / or tile used, but may include hot pressing or autoclave processing. These hot presses or autoclaves can ensure any adhesive / resin sets properly, and creates a compact confined product. Further aspects can include implementation of the wrapped tile into an overall armor design, including additional structures for maintaining armor shape after projectile impact. These additional structures can include a spall shield, a lattice structure for holding tiles, blast absorbing panels and a back panel. All of these structures can further aid in projectile deceleration. A key aspect of the invention is the use of space behind the fabric wrapped the or prism layer. This is created by ledges on through-thickness webs onto which the fabric wrapped tiles / prismatic ballistic packages are placed. This behind armor space is used to enable the fabric free motion during a ballistic stopping event and to allow the vertical webs to buckle during a blast event. The design of the through-thickness webs can be optimized to facilitate construction of a sandwich panel in which the webs establish a wide gap between the faces. In this way the panels exhibit high bend resistance under static and blast loads and are highly effective at mitigating the penetration of projectiles.

Problems solved by technology

These plates need to be thick and are therefore heavy when used to provide adequate protection against modern weaponry.

Unfortunately, these ceramic-armors often crack while dissipating the energy of an explosion or a ballistic impact, thereby weakening the armor against subsequent impacts in the same region.

When layered with ceramics and / or hard metals, such fabrics can not only provide a stopping measure for projectiles, but also helps retain the original shape of the armor components.

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