Abstract: Composite anti-ballistic systems having multiple nested sub-laminates manufactured from layers of unidirectional monofilaments made from engineering fibers with anti-ballistic properties embedded in polymer matrix materials and interfacial materials engineered for controlled compliance, deformation, energy release and rate sensitive behavior.

Abstract: A method of designing a wearable air blast wave energy protection device includes computer modeling at least two candidate reflective materials for a first human-protective and primarily reflective response to a specified incident air blast wave energy. The method includes selecting a layer of a first material from the at least two candidate reflective materials based on the computer modeling of the at least two candidate reflective materials. The method includes computer modeling at least two candidate attenuative materials for a second human-protective and primarily attenuative response and computer modeling another at least two candidate attenuative materials for a third human-protective and primarily attenuative response. The method further includes selecting a first attenuating-region material and a second attenuating-region material.

Abstract: A method of designing a wearable air blast wave energy protection device includes computer modeling at least two candidate reflective materials for a first human-protective and primarily reflective response to a specified incident air blast wave energy. The method includes selecting a layer of a first material from the at least two candidate reflective materials based at least partially on the computer modeling of the at least two candidate reflective materials. The method includes computer modeling at least two candidate attenuative materials for a second human-protective and primarily attenuative response to the specified incident air blast wave energy transmitted through the selected layer of the first material. The method includes selecting a layer of a second material from at least two candidate attenuative materials and electronically maintaining informational data corresponding to the selected layer of the first material and the selected layer of the second material.

Abstract: An armor includes a core that, in turn, includes a first layer of prismatic elements arranged in a tessellated fashion and a second layer of prismatic elements arranged in a tessellated fashion. The first layer of prismatic elements is nested into the second layer of prismatic elements. An armor includes a strike face sheet, a rear face sheet, and a core disposed between the strike face sheet and the rear face sheet. The core includes a first layer of prismatic elements arranged in a tessellated fashion, a second layer of prismatic elements arranged in a tessellated fashion, and a strain isolation layer. The first layer of prismatic elements is nested into the second layer of prismatic elements with the strain isolation layer disposed between the first layer of prismatic elements and the second layer of prismatic elements.

Abstract: A multi-layer material that provides blast and projectile impact protection is provided. The multi-layer material may include a hard metal layer, a composite layer, an air gap layer, and an innermost layer. An armor layer may also be provided that includes a polymeric honeycomb layer and a ceramic layer. In other aspects of the invention, a vehicle made from the multi-layer material is provided, and methods for making the multi-layer material are provided.

Abstract: A blind system comprising a plurality of slats having a ballistic resistant material; a control system operably configured to cause a change in state of the blind from an open state to a protective closed state; and a sensing system operably configured to detect a threatening event, wherein the sensing system upon sensing the threatening event triggers the control system to transition from the open state to the protective state such that in the protective state, the blinds are adapted to be resistant to penetration by high-speed ballistic objects

Abstract: A protection device for a vehicle cab having a floor and two vertical side walls, the device including an armor plate below and substantially parallel to the floor of the cab, and deformable compartmented caissons connected between the floor and the armor plate and under the side walls of the cab, each compartmented caisson having buckleable walls dimensioned to buckle upon shock impact to the exterior of the armor plate.

Abstract: A damage resistant High Strength, Impact Resistant, Elastic Composite Laminate primary (singular) structure with optionally having first (4) and second (4) outer face layers, having first (2) and second (2) inner reinforced plies being located between the first and second outer layers, and (1) a dissipating element located between the first and second reinforced plies, wherein the dissipating element is adapted to dissipate and redirect, randomly directed active loading applied to at least one of the two outer surface, to tensile loading being directed along the respective longitudinal axis of the inner reinforced ply; and a matrix (3) between (2) and (4).

Abstract: A method of making a ballistic resistant composite material having improved resistance to high energy rifle bullets and the like. The method comprises providing at least one fibrous layer comprising a network of high tenacity aramid fibers. The fibrous layer is coated with a thermoplastic polyurethane resin. The coated fibrous layer is molded at a pressure of at least about 1,500 psi (10.3 MPa). Preferably, a plurality of fibrous layers are employed, each of which is formed from to unidirectionally oriented aramid fibers in a thermoplastic polyurethane resin matrix. Adjacent fibrous layers are preferably oriented at 90° with respect to each other.

Abstract: A ballistic-resistant laminate assembly having a pair of films with an array of stacked pairs of first and second of unidirectionally-oriented bundles of high strength filaments therebetween, with the stacked filament bundles being arranged substantially interlinear with adjacent unidirectionally-oriented adhesions between the pair of films. The adhesions form continuous tubular sleeves between the pair of films with the stacked bundles of high strength filaments being substantially free floating yet contained therein. Optionally, the high strength filaments are coated or soaked in a liquid-to-solid phase change material or PCM.

Abstract: Ballistic composite articles comprising a fabric section, an overlay section disposed on the strikeface of the composite article and comprising a thermoplastic resin, and optionally an adhesive layer disposed between the fabric section and the overlay section are described. The ballistic composite articles can provide comparable or improved protection against projectile threats relative to conventional ballistic composites consisting only of a same-type fabric section having comparable area density, as evidenced by comparable V50 values and/lower backface deformation values when tested under the same conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing boron nitride nanotubes and continuous boron nitride nanotube yarn or tapes is provided. The apparatus includes rotating reaction tubes that allow for continuous chemical vapor deposition of boron nitride nanotubes. The rotation of the reaction tubes allows the boron nitride nanotubes to be spun into yarns or made into tapes, without post process or external rotation or spinning of the gathered nanotubes. Boron nitride nanotube yarns or tapes of great length can be produced as a result, thereby providing industry with a readily useable format for this type of material. Dopants such as carbon can be added to engineer the band gap of the nanotubes. Catalysts may be formed outside or inside the reactor.

Abstract: Composite panel comprising at least one layer containing at least one tape comprising a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylonitriles, polyamides or polyketone, wherein the tape has a tensile strength of at least 1.2 GPa and an areal density of between 5 and 150 g/m2, and an adhesive in contact with said layer, whereby the amount of the adhesive in contact with one side of the at least one layer is between 0.2 and 15 g/m2, wherein the adhesive is a plastomer wherein said plastomer is a random copolymer of ethylene or propylene and one or more C2 to C12 a-ol-efin co-monomers and wherein said plastomer has a density as measured according to 1801183 of between 860 and 930 kg/m3. In a preferred embodiment the tape comprises an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The composite panel is used in a ballistic resistant article.

Abstract: An armor assembly is disclosed that includes a frame member, an underbody armor panel having an inner portion and an outer portion, and a first crushable member including a wall configured to deform during a blast event. The frame member is coupled to the underbody armor panel with the first crushable member.

Abstract: A method for making armor plate that is resistant to armor piercing small arms ammunition is provided. The armor plate includes a steel plate having a nominal chemical composition in weight percent of 0.4C-1.8Ni-0.8Cr-0.25Mo. The steel plate is carburized on one side and produces a carburized side and a non-carburized side. The carburized side of the steel plate has a carbon concentration of at least 0.9% by weight and the non-carburized side has a carbon concentration of between 0.38 and 0.45% by weight. After the steel plate has been carburized, it is subsequently thermally processed such that the carburized side has a hardness of at least 58 Rockwell Hardness C (HRC), and the non-carburized side has a hardness of between >=50 and <=55 HRC.

Abstract: A system of panels for use in assembling a radiation, microbial, acoustically, and ballistically shielded space within a building or other personal space. The panels are comprised of an ionizing radiation shielding material layer, a non-ionizing radiation shielding layer, an anti-microbial treated layer, a bulletproof layer, and an acoustical shielding layer. A method is provided for using said panels to create a radiation, microbial, acoustically, and ballistically shielded space.

Abstract: Bar armor currently provides a means of providing partial protection of vehicles and structures against certain types of Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs). However, the individual bars must provide enough strength to cut through or deform the outer ogive of an RPG and cause electrical contact with the inner ogive. This in turn imposes constraints on the overall effectiveness of the system and how light it can be made. These constraints can be eased by providing cross-attachments for the bars, provided that the cross-attachments themselves are of low enough density and sufficient frangibility to avoid detonating the RPG when they are struck by the RPG nosepiece, which contains a piezoelectric element that causes the fuse of the RPG to function. Through this means, bar armor can be made lighter, more effective, and easier to see through.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a ballistic protection material includes a strike face layer having a first thickness. The strike face layer is configured to distort an outer surface on a projectile that contacts the strike face layer. A ballistic layer is configured to hinder continued movement of a projectile that has passed through the strike face layer. A spacer layer is situated between the strike face layer and the ballistic layer. The spacer layer has a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness. The second thickness of the spacer layer provides a selected distance between the strike face layer and the ballistic layer.

Abstract: A rigid ballistic-resistant composite includes large denier per filament (dpf) yarns. The yarns are held in place by a resin to form a rigid composite panel with improved ballistic performance. The large dpf yarns may be selected from aromatic heterocyclic co-polyamide fibers, polyester-polyarylate fibers, high modulus polypropylene (HMPP) fibers, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers, poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers, poly-diimidazo pyridinylene (dihydroxy)phenylene (PIPD) fibers, carbon fibers, and polyolefin fibers.

Abstract: An arrangement for protecting an object, especially a motor vehicle, against approaching projectiles, contains a plurality of profile rods of prism-shaped cross-section. The profile rods are disposed in at least two rows lying one behind the other and at a distance from each other. In the rows, the respective mutually parallel profile rods are disposed at a distance apart, wherein the profile rods of the front row cover the gaps between the profile rods of the rear row.

Abstract: A vehicle includes one or more structural vent channels for blast energy and gas and debris dissipation. The structural enclosure of a vehicle includes a hull floor and encloses or defines a compartment for crew, cargo, or crew and cargo. The channel provides a passage through, around, or through and around the vehicle, by which blast energy and debris can be dissipated from explosions beneath the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of protecting a user from a strike by a maximum threat includes adhesively bonding a plurality of solid elements to a support structure in a planar array, dimensions and material properties of the solid elements, support structure, and adhesive being selected to cause an impacted solid element to be dislodged by the maximum threat, and to combine its mass with the projectile for reduced velocity and increased impact area. The support structure is configured to fail in tensile and to allow the combined projectile and solid element to pass through the support structure. The solid elements can be ceramic, and can be commutated upon impact while remaining substantially intact. The solid elements can include titanium backing layers. After formation, ceramic cores can be compressed upon cooling by an outer ceramic layer having a higher coefficient of thermal expansion, the outer layer being formed by glazing or doping.

Abstract: A mechanically-operated vehicle that has a bullet-resistant shield comprising of bullet resistant glass panels and ballistic panels that allow full-enclosure of an operator on all sides and top, at least three wheels, a single hand-controlled apparatus that controls the vehicle, and the vehicle can fit through ADA compliant double size doors and 4000-lb service/freight elevators.

Abstract: A mechanically-operated vehicle that has an upright body-length bullet-resistant shield comprising bullet resistant glass that allows full-enclosure of an operator on all sides and top, at least two wheels, a single hand-controlled apparatus that controls the vehicle, and the vehicle can fit through a standard size door and a 2500-lb passenger or 4000-lb service elevator.

Abstract: A ballistic article is comprised of high density fibers, where the linear mass density of the fibers is greater than 2000 dtex as measured by ASTM D1907 and the fibers in each layer have a total areal density greater than 100 g/m2. In one example, the ballistic article has two sheets comprising para-aramid fibers in a styrene and isoprene block copolymer matrix material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bulletproof fabric and a body armor manufactured using the same. The bulletproof fabric includes an aramid fabric 10 including wholly aromatic polyamide multifilaments as warps and wefts, a primary water-repellent coating layer 20 formed on the aramid fabric 10, and a secondary water-repellent coating layer 30 formed on the primary water-repellent coating layer 20. The body armor of the present invention has a laminate structure of stacking up 10 to 50 sheets of the above bulletproof fabrics, preferably, further includes an aramid composite pad 40 inserted in a pocket provided at a part of the body armor. According to the present invention, water-repellent properties are excellent to noticeably improve bulletproof performance in a wet state, and specifically, when the body armor has the aramid composite pad 40 inserted therein, rear deformation of the body armor after the bulletproof performance test is considerably reduced.

Abstract: A fire resistant composite laminate includes a thermoplastic matrix material reinforced with fibers embedded in the matrix of the composite laminate, wherein the thermoplastic matrix material of the fire resistant composite laminate includes polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

Abstract: A transparent ceramic material and the use thereof, wherein the transparent ceramic has an RIT>75%, measured on a 2 mm-thick, polished disk with light with a wave length of 600 nm, and average particle sizes in the range of >10 to =<100 micrometer, preferably >10 to 50 micrometer, more preferably >10 to 20 micrometer. The transparent ceramic material is, for example, Mg—Al spinel, ALON, aluminum oxide, yttrium aluminum garnet, yttrium oxide or zirconium oxide.

Abstract: The present invention is typically embodied as a method for studying ballistic resistance of one or more steel materials. A projectile is caused to strike groups of steel samples made of the same steel material, and the ballistic limit V50 of each steel material is determined. Prior to the V50 testing, a sample of each steel material is metallographically imaged so as to reveal austenitic bodies therein. The austenitic volume fraction of a sample of each steel material is measured via VSM at least once prior to the V50 testing and at least once subsequent to the V50 testing. Subsequent to the V50 testing, a microhardness distribution is mapped characterizing a sample of each steel material in the vicinity of the ballistic crater. The empirical results are assessed in light of the inventively discovered mechanism of plasticity of the steel that is ballistically induced in relation to austenite-to-martensite transformation.

Abstract: A composite passive armor protection comprises a structure, embedded in the light alloy matrix (1), wherein said structure is made of geometric solids (2), resting on brackets (3), passing through the holes in plate (4), wherein said brackets (3) have precuts in the walls located at a height above and below the plate (4), wherein in said precuts in the walls are secured rods (5) in such a way that they form a grid, wherein the geometric solids (2) are embedded in the light alloy matrix (1), preferably to a level above one half of their total height, and wherein the rods (5) are preferably fixed in such a way that their longitudinal axes coincide with the axes of the geometric solids (2).

Abstract: An armor element configured to be employed within the armor module, the armor element being formed with a base portion and a claw portion. The armor element has a longitudinal axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the base portion, the claw portion comprising two or more claw members extending from the base portion generally along a longitudinal direction defined by the longitudinal axis. Each claw member has a rear end associated with the base portion and a front end spaced from the base portion. The claw members are tapered with respect to the longitudinal axis so that the distance between the corresponding front ends of the two or more claw members is greater than the distance between the rear ends of the two or more claw members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an armour module for a vehicle. The armour module comprises a plurality of flexible vertical elements, a plurality of horizontal slats and a connection arrangement for supporting the armour module in a stand-off relation to the vehicle. Both the armour and its support may be flexible and can resiliently deform in response to an impact and thereafter recover.

Abstract: Armor plating is provided for armored land vehicles or watercraft, the armor having a base armor plate and an additional armor plate fixed thereto on the enemy side, such that it can be removed. A structural component can be used as a base armor plate for such vehicles, and comprises a layered structure with a core composite having an inner honeycomb core and at least one covering layer. The layered structure does not contain supporting metal layers or ceramic, hard material layers. Another essential characteristic is the use of fixture elements which are anchored in the core composite to allow additional armor plating to be detachably fixed on the enemy side. The core composite therefore essentially offers basic protection itself, while also acting as the carrier structure for interchangeable additional armor plating.

Abstract: A sandwich of impact resistant material comprising: a first tile comprising a plurality of nano-particles bonded together, wherein the nano-structure of the nano-particles is present in the first tile and the first tile comprises a hardness value; a second tile comprising a plurality of nano-particles bonded together, wherein the nano-structure of the nano-particles is present in the second tile and the second tile comprises a hardness value; and a third tile comprising a plurality of nano-particles bonded together, wherein the nano-structure of the nano-particles is present in the third tile and the third tile comprises a hardness value, wherein the second tile is coupled in between the first tile and the third tile, and the second tile comprises a hardness value greater than the first tile and the third tile.

Abstract: In one embodiment, hybrid body armor includes a ballistic fabric and a plurality of small ballistic plates arranged in a tightly packed array over the ballistic fabric.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a ballistic resistant article comprising at least one first layer facing a projectile and at least one second layer adjacent to the at least one first layer and facing an object to be protected wherein, under a ballistic event, the at least one first layer is capable of undergoing a shock induced non-reversible phase transformation.

Abstract: A shield includes a first body made of damping material in a solid state and which transitions to a viscous fluid state when critically stressed in compression and a plunger plate with blades extending outwardly therefrom adjacent the first body for transitioning material of the first body from a solid to a viscous fluid state locally near the blades when the blades of the plunger plate are driven into the body. The plunger plate includes a truncated-V shape, a V-shape or a double V-shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air hardenable high-hardness steel for armoring applications, such as armor plate for use in light armored vehicles and body armor, and having a high level of ballistic performance relative to its plate thickness. In particular, the invention concerns a high ballistic strength martensitic armor steel which, in an air cooled and untempered condition, has a strength coefficient (s0) of higher than 2500 MPa; a flow parameter (P) of higher than 8.0, preferably higher than 18.0; and a manganese content of 1.8 to 3.6% by weight of manganese, preferably 2.8 to 3.1% by weight of manganese. The armor steel also includes retained austenite at a volume fraction of at least 1%, and preferably a volume fraction of 4 to 20%.

Abstract: An armor system which integrates ballistic protection into load bearing structure. Each armored panel is manufactured as a sandwich structure having a multiple of layers including a hard ballistic material layer of a Ceramic/CMC hybrid armor material capable of defeating high velocity Armor Piercing projectiles.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided an arrangement of protective material for dissipating the kinetic energy of a moving object including one or more layers of fibrous armour material encased within a sealed encasement, in which the sealed encasement is formed from a textile armour material which is impregnated with a polymeric substance.

Abstract: Armor panel comprising an aluminium alloy plate wherein: a) said aluminium alloy has the following chemical composition expressed in percentages per weight: 5.1%?Zn?9.7% 1.5%?Mg?2.9% 1.2%?Cu?2.1% Si?0.4% Fe?0.5% Mn?0.3% Cr?0.28% Ti?0.2% Zr?0.15% b) said plate comprises a face oriented towards the shocks and a face opposite said face oriented towards the shocks coated with a composite reinforcing layer comprising reinforcing fibres or bands with high ballistic protection performance, typically made of high mechanical performance glass, aramid or high performance polyethylene.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a protective material for dissipating the kinetic energy of a moving object including a plurality of layers of fibrous armour material in which at least some adjacent layers of fibrous armour material are separated by one or more separator layers for reducing inter-layer friction.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a fibrous armour material for dissipating the kinetic energy of a moving object which is impregnated with a shear thickening fluid, in which the shear thickening fluid includes particles of a thickening agent suspended in a liquid, and the volume fraction of the thickening agent in the shear thickening fluid is selected so that the shear thickening fluid has a viscosity-shear stress characteristic substantially corresponding to curve B or lying between curve B and curve D as shown in FIG. 2.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a multi-layer panel capable of mitigating the transmission of a high energy impulse to the hull of the vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, the blast panel comprises a first penetration resistant layer on the side facing away from the vehicle, a first core made of a crushable structural material between the first penetration resistant layer and the vehicle, and a shock dissipation layer disposed between the first penetration resistant layer and the first core.

Abstract: A composite passive armor protection comprises a structure, embedded in the light ahoy matrix (1), wherein said structure is made of geometric solids (2), resting on brackets (3), passing through the holes in plate (4), wherein said brackets (3) have through-holes located at a height above and below the plate (4), wherein in said through-holes are secured rods (5) in such a way that they form a grid, wherein the geometric solids (2) are embedded in the light ahoy matrix (1), preferably to a level above one half of their diameter, and wherein the rods (5) are preferably fixed in such a way that their longitudinal axes coincide with the axes of the geometric solids (2).

Abstract: A composite passive armor protection having geometric solids embedded in a matrix, characterized in that it consists of the parallel non-adjacent plates (1,2), wherein the upper plate (2) has grooves (3), in which are resting the geometric solids (4) embedded in a light alloy matrix (5), preferably to a level above one half of their total height, while the space between the parallel plates is a layer of light alloy (6)

Abstract: A flexible mosaic armor system that defeats threats at any attack angle includes top and middle solid elements layers separated by uniform gaps that intersect at apexes. The top elements can have a “hem” shape with raised edges. The middle elements can be flat, or can also have a hem shape. In embodiments, the edges of the top and middle layers are aligned and separated by an offset that is three or four times the gap width. Off-axis spike and needle strikes are thereby trapped between the two solid element layers, without added textile reinforcement. Embodiments include an apex layer of solid elements that overlap the first layer apexes, the apex layer being the second layer or a third layer beneath the 2 upper layers. The apex layer can be sandwiched between two textile backer layers that provide a full uninterrupted bonding surface to all of the solid element layers.

Abstract: An armor configuration has a curtain of overlapped plates of steel in close fitting flexible pockets disposed in front of, and temporarily displacable into, a space. The pockets hold the plates in overlapped alignment and the armor configuration has, inside the space, a space-filling resiliently compressible material. The armor configuration optionally has ballistic material backing layer behind the space.

Abstract: A composite armor plate includes a fracture layer placed adjacent to a ceramic layer. The ceramic layer provides a ballistic resistant layer that receives a ballistic impact and propagates a compression wave. The fracture layer is placed behind the ceramic layer and absorbs a portion of the compression wave propagating out in front of the ballistic impact. The absorbed compression wave causes the fracture layer to at least partially disintegrate into fine particles, which dissipates energy in the process. To cause a higher degree of fracturing (and thus larger dissipation of compression wave energy) the fracture layer includes a plurality of resonators embedded in a fracture material.

Abstract: A novel device and method provides personal protection from ballistic weapons such as handguns and rifles. A single piece of high-strength ballistic fabric that may be cut from a bulk roll by a single cutting step is folded in layers over and around multiple separate sheets of vinyl to produce a ballistic resistance assembly. The device may be incorporated into personal articles such as garments.