Multilayered Composite Ballistic Article with Stress Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multilayer composite panels face a non-linear relationship between the number of stacked panels and the reduction of projectile velocity, leading to reduced ballistic protection due to stress propagation, which complicates achieving the necessary velocity reduction while adhering to weight constraints in anti-ballistic armor and vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating intermediate stress mitigation regions or panels between composite layers to mitigate stress transmission, using materials like compressible foams, ductile materials, or brittle ceramics to isolate stress and maintain lightweight designs, thereby achieving a more linear relationship between panel count and projectile velocity reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple layers of anti-ballistic composites are stacked to increase ballistic penetration resistance, then the resistance to ballistic penetration is improved, but the overall weight of the panels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the anti-ballistic protection into separate functional layers: exterior panels for initial impact and interior panels for additional protection. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, with the exterior panels designed to absorb initial impact energy and the interior panels providing supplemental protection, thereby achieving effective ballistic resistance without requiring excessive weight in a single heavy layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different locations within the protective structure. The exterior panels use materials optimized for initial impact absorption, while interior panels use materials optimized for continued protection. This local differentiation of material properties allows the system to achieve high ballistic resistance while minimizing overall weight by placing appropriate materials only where needed.
2Speed
If multiple composite panels are stacked to reduce projectile velocity, then the velocity reduction capability is improved, but the stress propagation between panels reduces the effectiveness of interior panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate stress mitigation regions between adjacent composite panels. These intermediate regions act as mediators that absorb and dissipate stress waves, preventing the direct transmission of impact forces from exterior panels to interior panels. This intermediary layer ensures that each panel maintains its full protective capability regardless of the impact forces experienced by adjacent panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The stress mitigation regions are designed beforehand to cushion and absorb impact stresses before they can propagate to subsequent panels. By pre-positioning these cushioning elements between panels, the system ensures that impact forces are absorbed and dissipated in advance, preventing premature stress accumulation in interior panels and maintaining their full velocity reduction capability.
3Strength
If the number of composite panels is increased to achieve necessary velocity reduction, then the ballistic protection is improved, but the weight constraints are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the protective system into exterior and interior panels with distinct functional roles, the patent achieves effective ballistic protection through optimized distribution rather than uniform reinforcement. The exterior panels handle initial impact, while interior panels provide supplemental protection, allowing the system to meet velocity reduction requirements without concentrating excessive weight in a single layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate stress mitigation regions serve as lightweight intermediary elements that enable the system to achieve high ballistic protection through multiple panels without the weight penalty of continuously reinforced structures. These intermediaries allow stress isolation between panels, enabling the use of lighter materials in interior panels while maintaining overall protective effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the ability to reduce projectile velocity effectively while minimizing weight, allowing for lighter anti-ballistic armor and vehicles that can withstand high-impact projectiles without compromising structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible stress mitigation panel disposed between the first and second composite panels. The compressible stress mitigation panel is configured to absorb and dissipate impact stress through deformation, isolating the stress from the second composite panel
Implementation Method 2
a ductile stress mitigation panel disposed between the first and second composite panels. The ductile stress mitigation panel is configured to undergo plastic deformation to absorb impact energy and prevent stress transmission
Implementation Method 3
a brittle stress mitigation panel disposed between the first and second composite panels. The brittle stress mitigation panel is configured to shatter or crack to absorb impact force and isolate stress from adjacent panels
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-paneled penetration resistant composite comprises a layered panel configuration that mitigates transmission of impact stress between adjacent, or proximate, penetration resistant composite panels. For example, areas of reduced density, provided by an intermediate stress mitigation panel positioned between adjacent composite panels and varying densities of composite layers within a composite panel, can mitigate transmission of stress between adjacent, or proximate, composite panels.