Differentially Reinforced Ceramic Armour for Multi-Hit Capability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceramic armour materials are brittle and prone to cracking upon initial impact, limiting their ability to withstand multiple hits, and existing solutions such as segmented plates or increased thickness and weight do not effectively address this issue without introducing new weaknesses or bulk.
Innovation Solution
Differential reinforcement across the face of ceramic plates, with regions of low reinforcement separated by regions of higher reinforcement, using fibre reinforcement such as carbon fibres in a polymer matrix, applied as strips or a grid pattern on one or both faces to mitigate crack propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thickness of the ceramic strike face is increased to improve multi-hit capability, then the resistance to multiple hits is improved, but the weight and bulk of the armour system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing differential reinforcement across the face of the ceramic plate, with regions of low reinforcement separated by regions of higher reinforcement. This creates non-uniform structural properties that allow the plate to withstand multiple hits without requiring uniform thickening across the entire plate, thereby improving multi-hit capability while controlling weight.
2Reliability
If separate tiles are used to limit damage to a single tile, then the multi-hit capability is improved, but the complexity of mounting the tiles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the ceramic plate into regions separated by reinforcement patterns. These regions act as independent damage zones where cracks are contained, similar to separate tiles, but the plate remains as a single unitary structure, avoiding the mounting complexity associated with multiple separate tiles.
3Reliability
If holes are introduced in the ceramic plate to limit crack propagation, then the multi-hit tolerance is improved, but the plate becomes thinner under the holes creating points of weakness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically placing reinforcement regions at specific locations on the ceramic plate face. These reinforcement regions prevent crack propagation without requiring holes, thereby maintaining plate thickness and strength at all locations while still achieving multi-hit tolerance through controlled crack containment zones.
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 approach enhances the multi-hit capability of ceramic armour plates with minimal weight increase, allowing for effective absorption of multiple impacts without penetration, as demonstrated by testing with 7.62 mm rounds, with samples capable of stopping four spaced rounds without failure.
Implementation Method 1
differentially reinforced across a face of the plate to separate regions of low reinforcement by regions of higher reinforcement
Implementation Method 2
effective absorption of multiple impacts without penetration
Data Source
AI summary
Armor comprises one or more ceramic plates differentially reinforced by reinforcement applied to a face of the plate to separate regions of low reinforcement by regions of higher reinforcement.