Segmented Armor Shield Resisting Shaped Charge Penetrators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional armor systems are ineffective against explosively formed penetrators, which can penetrate armor and cause spall, leading to damage and injury due to their high velocity and heat, and adding more armor layers results in an overweight vehicle with reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A protective armor system with multiple layers separated by gaps, where the second armor layer is softer than the first, and an intermediate layer that can flow like a fluid to increase the mass and reduce the velocity of the penetrator, dissipating energy and reducing its penetrating effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If more armor layers are added to protect against shaped charges, then protection effectiveness is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The armor is divided into multiple layers with different material properties (harder outer layer, softer inner layer) separated by gaps. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the outer layer provides initial resistance while the inner layer absorbs remaining energy, achieving effective protection without requiring uniformly thick heavy armor throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the armor system have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. The outer layer uses harder material for penetration resistance, while the inner layer uses softer material for energy absorption and spall prevention. This local differentiation of material properties maximizes protection effectiveness while minimizing overall weight compared to uniform heavy armor.
2Reliability
If conventional armor layers are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but resistance to shaped charges is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The armor system is segmented into multiple functional layers with gaps between them, where each layer has specific material properties optimized for its function. This segmented structure enables the outer layer to provide initial penetration resistance while the inner layer absorbs remaining energy, achieving superior shaped charge resistance compared to single-layer conventional armor.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite armor structures combining different materials with complementary properties - harder materials for the outer layer to resist penetration and softer materials for the inner layer to absorb energy and prevent spall. This composite approach leverages the advantages of different materials to achieve comprehensive protection against shaped charges.
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 system provides enhanced resistance to shaped charges while maintaining a lighter weight, capable of protecting against similar threats as heavier conventional armor systems by dispersing energy and reducing the penetrator's velocity and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate layer that can flow like a fluid to increase the mass and reduce the velocity of the penetrator
Implementation Method 2
The protective shield is configured to disperse energy within a penetrator generated by a shaped charge
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a protective armor system includes first and second armor layers separated by a gap. The second armor layer has a hardness that is less the first armor layer. The protective shield is configured to disperse energy of a shaped charge, such as the energy within a penetrator generated by an explosively formed penetrator (EFP).