Abstract: A blast resistant vehicle hull includes an enclosure and a blast channel extending between and through a lower, outer surface of the enclosure and a surface of the enclosure other than the lower, outer surface of the enclosure. A vehicle includes a blast resistant vehicle hull. The blast resistant vehicle hull includes an enclosure and a blast channel extending between and through a lower, outer surface of the enclosure and a surface of the enclosure other than the lower, outer surface of the enclosure.

Abstract: An armor system with a composite laminate having at least four alternating layers (two bi-layers) of a first material and a second material, the first material having a lower acoustic impedance than the second material. The first material is a viscoelastic polymer with a glass transition temperature less than the expected operational temperature range, and the second material can be a hard material such as steel, aluminum, or ceramic. The laminate can include many alternating layers of elastomer and hard material, and can be adhered or affixed to a thicker armor substrate. Additional protective elements such as corrugated metal-ceramic panels and armored glass cylinders can be added to improve resistance to armor piercing rounds, explosively formed penetrators, or other threats.

Abstract: An armor system with a composite laminate having at least four alternating layers (two bi-layers) of a first material and a second material, the first material having a lower acoustic impedance than the second material. The first material is a viscoelastic polymer with a glass transition temperature less than the expected operational temperature range, and the second material can be a hard material such as steel, aluminum, or ceramic. The laminate can include many alternating layers of elastomer and hard material, and can be adhered or affixed to a thicker armor substrate. Additional protective elements such as corrugated metal-ceramic panels and armored glass cylinders can be added to improve resistance to armor piercing rounds, explosively formed penetrators, or other threats.

Abstract: A composite material plate comprising a plurality of hard ceramic stubs with silicon rich metal inclusions in a metal-ceramic, heterogeneous poly-phase matrix and a method of fabrication thereof comprising the steps of fabricating green ceramic stubs; densifying; optionally wrapping carbon fibers therearound and arranging the green ceramic stubs into a closely packed array with organic binder, pyrrolizing and Impregnating a silicon based metal matrix by reactive sintering.

Abstract: An encapsulated ballistic protection system (EBPS). In one embodiment, an EBPS for protecting a human or an object from a projectile includes one or more ballistic protection material layers at least substantially encapsulated by encapsulation material having a tensile strength of 20,000 psi or greater. Additionally, in one embodiment, an EBPS includes one or more ballistic protection material layers that are substantially encapsulated by the encapsulation material on a first side adapted to face the human or the object and on a second side opposite the first side and adapted to face the projectile, and the EBPS further includes a compressible layer between the one or more ballistic protection material layers and the encapsulation material on the first side, the compressible layer configured to at least one of dissipate energy, reduce velocity of the projectile, and reduce backface deformation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lightweight transparent armor laminate comprising layers of borosilicate glass, layers of transparent glass-ceramics and a polymer spall layer of polycarbonate and/or polymethyl methacrylate. The layers are bound by polyurethane and/or polyvinylbutyral interlayer films.

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. Objects can be mounted within, above, or below the channel with breakaway mounting fixtures. The channel can serve as a storage compartment for objects that would be sacrificed during a blast.

Abstract: Ballistic walls include a plurality of interlocking blocks formed of a bullet-resistant material, a first portion of the periphery of each block having a protruding tongue, a second portion of the periphery of each block defining a groove sized to receive the tongue, and the tongues and grooves of adjacent blocks being mated to each other to form an interlocked structure. Each block may be formed of a stack of panels having a first surface panel, a second surface panel, and an interior panel, wherein the interior panel is offset from the first and second surface panels to form the tongues and to define the grooves. Each block may be formed of a stack of five panels offset from each other. The blocks may be arranged in a running bond, such that the vertical seams of one course are offset from the vertical seams of an adjacent course.

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 fabric comprising a first plurality of yarns, a second plurality of yarns and a third plurality of yarns wherein the first, second and third pluralities of yarns have a yarn orientation that is different from each other. The third plurality of yarns is oriented in an axial direction. The second plurality of yarns is interwoven with the first plurality of yarns. The third plurality of yarns have no crimp. The yarns of the second plurality of yarns have an average linear density greater than or equal to the average linear density of the yarns of the first plurality of yarns and the yarns of the third plurality of yarns have an average linear density greater than the average linear density of the yarns of the second plurality of yarns and less than three times the average linear density of the yarns of the first plurality of yarns.

Abstract: The present invention's stratified composite material system of armor, as typically embodied, comprises a strike stratum and a backing stratum. The strike stratum includes elastomeric matrix material and inventive ceramic-inclusive elements embedded therein and arranged (e.g., in one or more rows and one or more columns) along a geometric plane corresponding to the front (initial strike) surface of the strike stratum. More rigid than the strike stratum, the backing stratum is constituted by, e.g., metallic (metal or metal alloy) material or fiber-reinforced polymeric matrix material. Some inventive embodiments also comprise a spall-containment stratum fronting the strike stratum. The inventive ceramic-inclusive elements geometrically describe any of various inventive modes, including: first mode, having a flat front face and a textured back face; second mode, having a pyramidal front section and a prismatoidal (especially, prismoidal, e.g.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a monolithic tile made for use in a composite armor is disclosed. The tile includes cut-out and/or through thickness channels spaced from each other at a distance greater than a dimension of the channels, in a plan view of the tile.

Abstract: A protection system includes a net with lines connected at nodes and hard points attached to at least select nodes. A frame supports the net and positions it in a spaced relationship with respect to a vehicle or structure. The frame preferably includes select adjacent tubular members connected via a flexure to prevent damage to the frame when impacted.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a protective device for a combat vehicle. The protective device includes a net which protects the combat vehicle from a rocket bomb, and net support assemblies which are provided to install the net on the combat vehicle. Each net support assembly includes a net fixing unit which is coupled to a corresponding one of intersection portions of the net, a vehicle body mounting unit which is mounted to the combat vehicle, and a spacing unit which connects the net fixing unit to the vehicle body mounting unit. The protective device further includes a distance adjuster which adjusts the distance between the net and the vehicle body, a shock absorber which absorbs impact, a protective member which is provided to reduce friction between the rocket bomb and the net strand, and a rocket bomb removal assembly which is installed on each intersection portion of the net.

Abstract: A method for and apparatus absorbing the energy of a projectile strike by a multiplicity of energy dissipating elements of high mass that are contained within a spaced defined by walls. A projectile passing through one of the walls transmits its energy to a multiplicity of energy dissipating elements, such as hardened steel balls or various shaped objects of high mass, by causing energy transfer and distribution through a loose mass of the energy dissipating elements and disintegrating the projectiles. Energy absorbing apparatus embodying this method may take the form of a static or moveable bullet or projectile trap, an energy absorbing external barrier or shelter on vehicles, and portable personnel protection structures for use in a tactical environment. The energy absorbing and dissipating elements are subject to some movement in response to the energy imparted by the projectiles and quickly settle after the energy has been dissipated.

Abstract: A utility vehicle with underfloor structure giving protection from mine explosions. There is a wedge at the edge of the driver compartment which splits the detonation blast from a mine buried in the track of a front wheel. There is a multilayer stack, inboard of the wedge, which crushes upward to reduce the detonation wave from a mine buried under the vehicle. The stack comprises panels to catch the detonation wave and separated by spacers. Spacers are longitudinal stringers stacked above each other and welded, forming deep beams joined to bulkheads, making the vehicle's frame. The wedge also bolts to bulkheads, augmenting the frame. In cross section, the stack is curved, tapering off at each end to merge with the “V” of a wedge. The wedge crushes sideways under the detonation wave, providing protection at the edge of the driver compartment where stack material has run out.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an armor system comprises a plurality of metallic layers. The armor system further comprises a plurality of non-metallic layers located in between two or more metallic layers of the plurality of metallic layers, such that each non-metallic layer is located at a respective depth in the plurality of metallic layers.

Abstract: There is provided a polymer ceramic composite which includes one or more particulate ceramics and a mixture of polymers. There is further provided methods of manufacture and application of the polymer ceramic composition. The composition finds use as a mouldable armour strike face, particularly in personal protective equipment and in vehicle or aircraft armour.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a blast-resistant armored land vehicle configured to operate on a surface. The vehicle may include a body comprised of sheet materials, the body having a centerline and a bottom portion. The vehicle may further include a grid portion suspended below the bottom portion, the grid portion including one or more slats on each side of the centerline, wherein the one or more slats are oriented at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the surface. Alternatively, the grid portion may include one or more vanes, each of the one of more vanes defining a V, with the apex of the V being rounded and directed towards the bottom portion.

Abstract: A blast resistant vehicle hull includes an enclosure and a blast channel extending between and through a lower, outer surface of the enclosure and a surface of the enclosure other than the lower, outer surface of the enclosure. A vehicle includes a blast resistant vehicle hull. The blast resistant vehicle hull includes an enclosure and a blast channel extending between and through a lower, outer surface of the enclosure and a surface of the enclosure other than the lower, outer surface of the enclosure.

Abstract: A process for producing fabrics containing at least one layer of unidirectionally arranged polymeric tapes with the tapes having at least a core component, the process including forming at least one layer of unidirectionally arranged polymeric tapes in a weaving machine with the polymeric tapes being used as warp yarn and a binding thread being used as weft yarn or with the polymeric tapes being used as weft yarn and the binding thread being used as warp yarn, and subsequently consolidating the at least one layer of unidirectionally arranged polymeric tapes using pressure and heat, wherein a melting temperature of the binding yarns lies below a consolidating temperature, and a melting temperature of the core component of the polymeric tapes lies above the consolidating temperature.

Abstract: A shield kit for projectile protection and associated systems and methods. A portable shield kit is disclosed including a flexible shield configured to be fastened to a bar armor frame which is maintained a predetermined standoff distance from a structure, such as a vehicle. The shield kit can be deployed in the field to cover a portion of the vehicle. The shield is configured to prevent a projectile, such as a shaped charge, from detonating as designed.

Abstract: A portable protection system including a selectively collapsible truss for supporting a protection member. The truss is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The protection member includes at least one layer of ballistic armor material for disrupting a projectile. The truss includes suitable connectors for releasably connecting the protection member to the truss, and also suitable connectors for releasably connecting the truss to an adjoining truss so as to form a protection wall.

Abstract: A non-planar ceramic composite and method of making are provided. The non-planar ceramic composite is transparent serves as transparent armor. In a non-limiting embodiment, the non-planar composite provides adequate protection from projectiles while exhibiting large surface areas and relatively low areal densities.

Abstract: A blast shield for deflecting a blast incident on a ground vehicle includes an impact section having an exterior impact surface to face a source of the blast. The exterior impact surface defines a cross-sectional profile defining a smooth continuous curve.

Abstract: A structural insert with a cellular core as a holder for filler materials, in combination with other dense or porous material types arranged in the structural insert, to achieve a desired shear strength and stiffness in desired locations. The insert having metal within any areas of open porosity and the insert capable of being used as a component in a composite system such as a light weight armor.

Abstract: A blast attenuator includes an enclosure defining a cavity; a core defining a plurality of interconnected pores, the core disposed in the cavity; and a shear thickening fluid disposed in the cavity, such that the shear thickening fills a portion of a pore volume of the core. A blast attenuation assembly includes a blast attenuator including a shear thickening fluid and a crushable element that omits a shear thickening fluid operably associated with the blast attenuator. A method includes the steps of providing a rigid core defining a plurality of interconnected pores and placing an enclosure about the core, the enclosure defining a filling port. The method further includes the steps of filling at least a portion of a pore volume of the core with a shear thickening fluid and closing the filling port to seal the enclosure and form a first blast attenuator.

Abstract: A modular, wheeled vehicle suitable for military use, includes a driver module having a width for seating one person and having length for seating a second (and optional third) person therebehind, and an engine module disposed behind the driver module containing an engine for powering the modular vehicle. The engine module has a rear surface adapted to receive a storage module. The driver module and the engine module form a central element having a pair of sides, a bottom, and a top. The central element is adapted to receive the modules on both of the central element sides. The central element has air inlet for personnel and for the engine disposed atop the central element. The bottom of the central element and troop side pods generally are V-shaped with slanted, upward extending sides.

Abstract: A grille having a plurality of s-louvers shaped to increase the efficiency of air flow through the grille without decreasing the effectiveness of the louvers at stopping or deflecting projectiles. Each louver has a hooked portion at the end of the louver to present a ballistic hook for stopping projectiles ricocheting through the circuitous path defined between the louvers. An insert having a closeout for covering the ballistic hook is positioned within each hooked shape portion to eliminate the eddy or stall created at the end of the circuitous path by ballistic hook. The closeout can be penetrated by projectiles ricocheting through the circuitous path such that the ballistic hook can still capture projectiles within the inlet.

Abstract: A composite ballistic armor or other composite component may be formed by placing one or more ceramic cores in a mold and introducing molten base metal into the mold, such that the molten base metal encapsulates the one or more ceramic cores to form the composite component. The ceramic cores may comprise, for example, porous packed-particle ceramic cores or pre-cast porous ceramic cores. The base metal may comprise, for example, a steel alloy, such as FeMnAl.

Abstract: An armor system pellet and an array and armor composed therefrom are provided. The pellet includes a pellet body and a plurality of projections for interlocking adjacent pellets when arranged in an array. The projections are configured for maximizing a contact area between adjacent pellets without substantially restricting independent movement of each of the pellets.

Abstract: A composite truss armor and a method of manufacturing the same. The composite truss armor includes a filler material and a three-dimensional (3D) ordered truss structure. The 3D ordered truss structure includes: a plurality of first truss elements defined by a plurality of first self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a first direction; a plurality of second truss elements defined by a plurality of second self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a second direction; and a plurality of third truss elements defined by a plurality of third self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a third direction. The first, second, and third ordered truss elements interpenetrate each other at a plurality of nodes to form a continuous material. The first, second, and third truss elements define an open space. The filler material occupies at least a portion of the open space, and the 3D ordered truss structure is self-supporting.

Abstract: A composite armor panel and a method for making the armor is disclosed. In one embodiment the armor consists of a plurality of ceramic tiles (21) individually edge-wrapped (52) with fiber or edge-wrap fabric, which are further wrapped with a face-wrap fabric, and encapsulated in a hyperelastic polymer material (31) permeating the fabric and fibers, with a back plate (41) adhered to the encapsulated tiles. In one embodiment the hyperelastic polymer (31) is formed from a MDI-polyester or polyether prepolymer, at lease one long-chain polyester polyol comprising ethylene/butylene adipate diol, at least one short-chain diol comprising 1,4-butanediol, and a tin-based catalyst.

Abstract: A unit of modular armor. The module has a box-like, optically opaque outer shell of ballistic-protection material enclosed to exclude light from the module's interior. The shell contains transparent armor plates and the shell contains a self-diagnostic system for ascertaining whether the plates have been damaged. The self-diagnostic system includes a first PC board disposed along first edges of the plates, the board being divided into strips on which are mounted rows of lights. The self-diagnostic system further includes a second PC board at second, opposed edges of the plates divided into strips on which are mounted rows of light receptors. The PC boards incorporate circuitry for illuminating the rows of the lights in a row-by-row sequence, and for allowing activation only of the receptors directly opposed to illuminated lights. This circuitry has an analysis means for determining the health of the plates in response to signals from the receptors.

Abstract: Composite structures and methods of fabrication thereof are disclosed. An embodiment of a composite structure, among others, includes: a backing substrate; a layer of structures distributed over the backing substrate; and a thermoplastic disposed onto the structures and the backing substrate, wherein the thermoplastic substantially binds the backing substrate and layer of structures together.

Abstract: An armor uses optimally shaped ceramic cross-pellets and a matrix for containing the cross-pellets. The armor comprises front and back plates and an array of interlocking ceramic cross-pellets of repeating shape between front and back plates. Each cross-pellet may have a horizontal cross-section in the shape of a cross and comprises a center and four fingers projecting therefrom. Each cross-pellet in a non-peripheral portion of the array may be supported by fingers of other cross-pellets which may include two fingers from each of four other cross-pellets. The result is lightweight, composite hybrid structure. The dense, hard armor has good fracture toughness, hardness and a high capacity to absorb impacts for ballistic protection particularly suited to tactical ground vehicles. Valley spaced is minimized. A polymer resin may be situated in spaces between the ceramic cross-pellets and between the array and at least one of the back plate and front plate.

Abstract: A vehicle construction in which a survivability capsule and underbody V-deflector plate are located off-center relative to the vehicle providing desirable survivability and size characteristics, and minimizing overall vehicle width providing desirable maneuverability characteristics. The survivability capsule is constructed around occupants oriented to minimize capsule width and may incorporate traditional or spaced frame construction. The location of the capsule provides the ability to incorporate a large amount of storage area into the construction of the vehicle, or to use a spaced armor array on one side of the capsule providing protection from road-side threats including EFPs, RPGs, and RKG-3s.

Abstract: A ceramic-containing armor tile exhibiting anisotropy exhibits different anti-ballistic performance compared to a uniform, isotropic tile. The ballistic performance has been quantified, and the results suggest that design can be optimized for even greater performance.

Abstract: Blast energy absorption system capable of being integrated into the structure of a vehicle having removable, interchangeable, and configurable components adaptable to configure the vehicle for varying mission threats. The blast energy absorption system has a plurality of independent energy absorbing systems including one or more in combination of the following: a floor structure, a housing, cross beam members, adjustable energy absorbing containers, and an understructure. Each component may be an independent reactant system. The integral relationship between the above mentioned components forms a system that absorbs and distributes blast energy to minimize energy transfer to the occupants of the vehicle. Blast energy absorption system is capable of many configurations depending on the threat level of a mission.

Abstract: A method for forming a ballistic-impact armor structure Improved composite armor designs use optimally shaped ceramic cross-pellets and a web system for patterning the cross-pellets, improving manufacturability, and providing additional structural reinforcement. The result is lightweight, composite hybrid structures A dense, hard body having good fracture toughness, hardness and a high capacity to absorb impacts for ballistic protection particularly suited to tactical ground vehicles.

Abstract: A ballistics shield material comprises an armor structure formed from armor material components. The armor structure is substantially imperforable by armor-piercing fire. The armor structure comprises at least multiple layers of high tensile material layers of para-aramid fabric, and an adhesive material for bonding components together. There is a visco elastic foam bonded with the adhesive. The foam can be acrylic foam is bonded with nitrile phenolic adhesive.

Abstract: A blast attenuator includes an enclosure defining a cavity; a core defining a plurality of interconnected pores, the core disposed in the cavity; and a shear thickening fluid disposed in the cavity, such that the shear thickening fills a portion of a pore volume of the core. A blast attenuation assembly includes a blast attenuator including a shear thickening fluid and a crushable element that omits a shear thickening fluid operably associated with the blast attenuator. A method includes the steps of providing a rigid core defining a plurality of interconnected pores and placing an enclosure about the core, the enclosure defining a filling port. The method further includes the steps of filling at least a portion of a pore volume of the core with a shear thickening fluid and closing the filling port to seal the enclosure and form a first blast attenuator.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to low-alloy steels exhibiting high hardness and an advantageous level of multi-hit ballistic resistance with minimal crack propagation imparting a level of ballistic performance suitable for military armor applications. Certain embodiments of the steels according to the present disclosure have hardness in excess of 550 HBN and demonstrate a high level of ballistic penetration resistance relative to conventional military specifications.

Abstract: A low-carbon martensitic armour steel comprises at least Fe, C, Si and Ni and has a ratio of yield strength to ultimate tensile strength of less than 0.7. The steel includes retained austenite at a volume fraction of at least 1%. The low-carbon martensitic armour steel can be prepared by subjecting a steel which comprises at least Fe, C, Si and Ni and which has a martensite start temperature of less than 210° C. to an austenisation heat treatment step at a temperature of at least 800° C., quenching the steel, and subjecting the steel to a tempering step at a temperature of less than 300° C.

Abstract: Structure, methodology and performance involving and utilizing body armor strand material which includes an elongate strand body possessing elongate brittle ceramic surface structure, elongate ductile core structure disposed within that surface structure, and elongate brittle/ductile transition structure operatively interposed and joining the surface and core structures. Methodology includes the steps of preparing a defined mass of elongate ceramic-surfaced, ductile-cored strand elements, each including, along the outside of its length, elongate, sharp-angular edges, and placing that mass in the impact path of such a projectile in a manner whereby edges in the strands face the projectile impact path.

Abstract: An article of armor includes a friction material operative to prevent penetration of a ballistic projectile. The armor is also operative to prevent penetration of a plurality of ballistic projectiles at a single point of impact. The armor may include a backing, or a facing, or may comprise an intermediate layer between a backing and facing in any combination. The armor of the invention applied directly to or attached to an article to be armored so as to cover all or any portion of the article. The backing and facing may include a friction material or a non-friction material. The friction material is a composite of a resin binder agent, a fibrous support structure, a friction modifier system, and a wear system.

Abstract: A non-metallic armor structure having lightweight and being capable of withstanding multiple impacts without substantial degradation of the penetration resistance of the armor.

Abstract: Textile armour (2) comprising at least one textile section (4) and corresponding supporting means (6), wherein the arrangement is such that the or each textile section is fully extended.

Abstract: An encapsulated ballistic protection system (EBPS). In one embodiment, an EBPS for protecting a human or an object from a projectile includes one or more ballistic protection material layers at least substantially encapsulated by encapsulation material having a tensile strength of 20,000 psi or greater. Additionally, in one embodiment, an EBPS includes one or more ballistic protection material layers that are substantially encapsulated by the encapsulation material on a first side adapted to face the human or the object and on a second side opposite the first side and adapted to face the projectile, and the EBPS further includes a compressible layer between the one or more ballistic protection material layers and the encapsulation material on the first side, the compressible layer configured to at least one of dissipate energy, reduce velocity of the projectile, and reduce backface deformation.

Abstract: Ring-shaped shape memory alloys put disk-shaped ceramic materials in a state of compression. The rings are radially deformed to introduce plastic strain into the rings. The rings are sized to closely receive the disk-shaped ceramic strike plates. When the assembly is heated, the rings attempt to regain their original shape and thereby put the ceramic strike plates into uniform, two-dimensional compression.