Cylindrical Armor Elements via Thermal Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current armor technologies are inadequate in effectively mitigating the impact of high-speed projectiles and explosive blasts, as they fail to efficiently absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy, leading to insufficient protection for humans, vehicles, and systems.
Innovation Solution
A composite laminate armor system is developed, comprising alternating layers of a viscoelastic material with a glass transition temperature below the operational temperature and a hard material, where the viscoelastic material fails in a glassy fashion upon impact, absorbing energy through a broadened impact area and mode conversion, and is applied in conjunction with corrugated metal and cylindrical armor elements for enhanced protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional armor materials (steel, ceramic) are used, then hardness and strength are improved, but weight increases and energy absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of alternating layers of viscoelastic material and hard material (metal, ceramic, or glass). This composite structure combines the strength and hardness of rigid materials with the energy absorption and lightweight properties of viscoelastic materials, achieving both high strength and low weight simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the viscoelastic material through temperature control, maintaining it in a rubbery state during normal operation for flexibility and energy absorption, while the impact-induced glass transition temporarily transforms it to a glassy state for enhanced hardness during projectile impact
2Strength
If hard materials (metal, ceramic) are used for armor, then resistance to projectile penetration is improved, but kinetic energy absorption and dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the impact-induced glass transition of viscoelastic materials. During normal conditions, the material remains in a rubbery state for flexibility. Upon high-speed impact, the rapid compression induces a transition to a glassy state, absorbing kinetic energy through the phase transition itself, then returns to rubbery state after impact
Solution Approach 2:
The viscoelastic layers are positioned between the hard armor layers to provide beforehand cushioning. These layers are designed to deform and absorb impact energy before the force reaches the hard materials, reducing the peak stress and preventing catastrophic failure of the armor structure
3Ease of manufacture
If single-layer armor structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but effectiveness against high-speed projectiles and explosive blasts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the armor into multiple functional layers with distinct roles: hard layers (metal, ceramic, or glass) provide penetration resistance, while viscoelastic layers provide energy absorption and impact mitigation. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The alternating layer structure creates a composite material system where the viscoelastic and hard materials work synergistically. The hard materials provide structural integrity and penetration resistance, while the viscoelastic materials provide energy dissipation and damage reduction, achieving superior effectiveness compared to single-layer structures
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
The armor system significantly increases the ballistic limit by inducing a glassy state in the viscoelastic material upon impact, reducing projectile penetration velocity and enhancing energy dissipation, while maintaining lightweight and efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
the viscoelastic material has a glass transition temperature below the operational temperature and which fails in a glassy fashion upon impact
Implementation Method 2
absorbing energy through a broadened impact area and mode conversion, and is applied in conjunction with corrugated metal and cylindrical armor elements for enhanced protection
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for forming armored glass cylinders suitable for improving resistance of armor to armor piercing rounds, explosively formed penetrators, or other threats. Cool a cylindrical glass or ceramic element to a temperature below that of a cylindrical casing, place the cylindrical glass or ceramic element into the cylindrical casing while the cylindrical glass or ceramic element is cool, and seal the cylindrical casing and allow the temperature of the cylindrical glass or ceramic element to rise, such that the cylindrical casing compresses the cylindrical glass or ceramic element. Alternately, heat a metal cylindrical casing, press glass or ceramic into the cylinder while the metal cylinder is at an elevated temperature, seal the metal cylindrical casing while metal cylindrical casinger is at an elevated temperature, and allow the metal cylinder to cool, such that when cooled, the cylindrical casing will compress the glass in all directions.