Orthotropic Armor Panel Deflecting Projectiles via Layered Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional armor panels fail to effectively deflect and stop armor piercing projectiles at all angles and trajectories due to the lack of continuous glancing effect once the projectile penetrates the initial surface.
Innovation Solution
The use of macroscopically orthotropic materials, arranged in parallel layers at non-parallel angles to the outer surface, creates asymmetrical loads that continue to rotate and deflect the projectile throughout its path, preventing penetration and facilitating capture by inner ballistic layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional armor panels use a flat surface with hard material, then the initial deflection effect is achieved, but the projectile can continue through once it penetrates the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The armor panel surface is segmented into multiple non-parallel layers arranged at different angles, creating a stepped configuration that provides continuous deflection surfaces throughout the material depth, preventing projectile penetration
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection mechanism is extended from a two-dimensional surface interaction to a three-dimensional volumetric effect by arranging layers at non-parallel angles, creating deflection paths throughout the entire panel thickness
2Reliability
If armor panels use ceramic tiles with non-flat surfaces, then some deflection effect is achieved, but not all positions and angles provide effective glancing
Solution Approach 1:
Non-parallel layers are arranged at asymmetric angles to the outer surface, creating asymmetrical loads that generate rotational moments on projectiles across a wide range of incident angles, ensuring effective deflection regardless of impact position or trajectory
Solution Approach 2:
The angled layer configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides deflection surfaces for various impact angles, generates rotational moments on projectiles, and maintains structural integrity, making the panel effective against diverse threat types
3Reliability
If heavy ceramic balls are used to create torturous paths, then projectile deflection is achieved, but substantial weight is required
Solution Approach 1:
The structural parameters of the armor panel are changed by introducing non-parallel layering at specific angles, which generates deflection and rotational effects through geometry rather than mass, significantly reducing the weight required compared to conventional heavy ceramic ball solutions
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 solution ensures effective deflection and capture of armor piercing projectiles at various angles, enhancing the panel's ability to stop high-velocity threats by maintaining a glancing effect throughout the material, thereby improving the panel's overall performance and survivability.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention obviates this problem by using macroscopically orthotropic materials. Multi-layer materials and orthotropic materials continue to create asymmetrical loads tending to rotate the projectile, as long as it is moving through the material at an angle to the layers
Implementation Method 2
as long as it is moving through the material at an angle to the layers, or in the case of an orthotropic material, at an angle to one or more of the planes of material symmetry
Data Source
AI summary
An armor panel system has a projectile-deflecting section having an outwardly facing surface. The projectile-deflecting section is formed of a material arranged in parallel layers, the layers arranged at a non-parallel angle to the outer surface. The non-parallel angles deflect or rotate an incoming projectile.