Design, characterization and evaluation of material systems for ballistic resistant body armor: A comparative study

David, N.V. (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A and M University, 3123 TAMU); Gao, X.-L.; Zheng, J.Q.

Source: Collection of Technical Papers - AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference, 49th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, 2008, p 2008-2028

ISSN: 0273-4508 CODEN: CPSCDO

Conference: 49th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, Apr 7-10 2008, Schaumburg, IL, United States

Sponsor: AIAA;ASME;ASCE;AHS;ASC

Publisher: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.

Abstract: Modern military operations, technology-driven war tactics, and current on-street weapons and ammunition necessitate the development of advanced ballistic protection body armor systems that are damage-resistant, flexible, lightweight and have superior energy absorbing capacity. A number of studies related to new concepts and designs of body armor materials have been conducted in the past two decades to meet the new demands. Ballistic fabrics, ceramics, nanocomposites, and hybrid material systems are among the leading candidates for modern armor design. Properties and ballistic resistance mechanisms of such materials have been extensively investigated. Based on a comprehensive and critical review of the advances and findings resulting from these investigations, a comparative study on design, characterization and performance evaluation of various types of anti-ballistic body armor made from different material systems and exhibiting distinct ballistic energy absorption mechanisms is presented in this paper by identifying and discussing key factors that influence the ballistic performance and energy absorbing mechanisms. Copyright © 2008 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved. (90 refs.)

terms:  Armor  -  Absorption  -  Aviation  -  Ballistics  -  Building materials  -  Dynamics  -  Energy absorption  -  Explosives  -  Fabrics  -  Health  -  Hybrid materials  -  Machine design  -  Materials properties  -  Materials science  -  Mechanisms  -  Military equipment  -  Military operations  -  Ordnance  -  Structural dynamics