Ballistic resistance tests of multi-layer protective panels

Ballistic resistance tests of multi-layer protective panels Badania odporności na przeBicie osłon o strukturze wielowarstwowej*Modern light-weight ballistic amours are usually multi-layer structures with low density.The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility of using multi-layer structures for lightweight armour systems which may be applied as bulletproof ballistic panels of combat helicopters and other lightweight military equipment.The tested multi-layer structures were prepared on the basis of aramid fabrics, thin sheets of 2024-T3 aluminium alloy and Al 2 O 3 and SiC ceramics.Additionally, the influence of adhesive connections between the components of the ballistic panels on their protective properties has been assessed.Absorbing energy of a spherical projectile was determined with the use of a laboratory stand consisted of a one-stage helium gas gun and a digital high speed camera.A penetration study on the selected multi-layer panels was also carried out with the use of Parabellum ammunition.It has been shown that the laminated structures composed of thin layers of metal and aramid fabric indicate a lower absorb energy-to-composite basic weight ratio than analogues ratios for metal sheets or fabrics used to produce laminated structures.Similarly, the sandwiches of loose aramid fabrics demonstrate greater ballistic resistance compared to the polymer composites made of such fabrics.There has been also demonstrated the desirability of the use of a ceramic component as a separate layer in which ceramic segments are glued between two layers of a thin metal sheet.