Abstract: An armor panel provides a continuous armored strike face defined within a periphery. The panel is manufactured from a composite material having a plurality of armor tiles embedded in a polymeric matrix that is structurally reinforced by a layer of fiber fabric. The armored strike face may be contoured to accommodate the base upon which it will be mounted. In some applications, an armor system is assembled from at least two of the armor panels. In such a system, at least a portion of the periphery of each armor panel defines an internal seam edge of the armor system. Each such periphery portion is in a lapping relationship with the corresponding internal seam edge of another armor panel.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system to enhance the performance of composite armor by utilizing the energy of the threat projectile is disclosed. The frontal member includes, for example, a plurality of concentric proves on the face opposite of the surface that is impacted by a projectile. The grooves in the frontal member preferably may mate with a complimentary plurality of concentric grooves in a backing plate. During impact by a projectile, the force from the projectile presses the grooves of the frontal member into engagement with the grooves of the backing plate. The grooves are uniquely designed to cause the backing plate to impart a compressive load into the backside of the frontal member preventing it from prematurely fracturing in tension at the onset of the projectile penetration.

Abstract: Buoyant armor for jacketed rounds includes an outer, laminate reinforced strike face having a hardness greater than 640 Brinell. The strike face is configured to strip the jacket off a projectile as it passes through the strike face and to rotate the projectile. An inner, laminate reinforced strike face is separated from the outer, laminate reinforced strike face by a spacer layer. Foam greater than 40 mm thick is disposed behind the inner strike face and is configured to disperse a round and/or its fragments and to provide buoyancy to the armor.

Abstract: An apparatus may comprise an outer skin having an exterior side and an interior side, an internal structure positioned relative to the interior side of the outer skin, and an inner skin. The internal structure may be capable of absorbing a blast load applied to the exterior side of the outer skin. The internal structure may be located between the outer skin and the inner skin.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a transparent armor laminate having a glass, glass-ceramic or ceramic strike face layer, one or a plurality of glass, glass-ceramic (“GC”), ceramic (“C”) or polymeric (“P”) backing layer behind the strike face layer, one or a plurality of spall catcher (“SC”) layers behind the backing layer(s), and a thin cover glass layer laminated to the strike face, the thin layer being the first layer to be impacted by any incoming projectile or debris. The cover glass has a thickness ?3 mm. In another embodiment the cover glass thickness is ?1 mm. Additionally, a defrosting/defogging element is laminated between the cover glass and the strike face.

Abstract: A blast/impact mitigation shield includes, in one example, a first body including a damping material in a solid state and which transitions to a viscous fluid state when stressed beyond a critical stress and a second body including damping material in a solid state and which transitions to a viscous fluid state when stressed. A plunger plate has blades extending outwardly therefrom and is located between the first and second bodies.

Abstract: An armor system and method involves providing a core material and a stream of atomized coating material that comprises a liquid fraction and a solid fraction. An initial layer is deposited on the core material by positioning the core material in the stream of atomized coating material wherein the solid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material is less than the liquid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material on a weight basis. An outer layer is then deposited on the initial layer by positioning the core material in the stream of atomized coating material wherein the solid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material is greater than the liquid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material on a weight basis.

Abstract: A non-lethal, sabot-deployed blast shield mitigates a suicide bomber by wrapping around the bomber and positioning a plurality of protective layers over an explosive device to absorb emitted heat, shock waves, and projectiles if the device is detonated. Stand-offs such as inflatable beams or pillows provide break-away zones between the protective layers, allowing some layers to expand to a point of failure and absorb the maximum possible energy. Inner layers absorb shock waves and heat. One or more outer layers resist projectile penetration. Protective layers can be positioned on opposing sides of a suspect in case two explosive devices are present. Shields can deploy with sufficient energy to knock down a bomber. In embodiments, a plurality of shields can be applied without interference therebetween. In some embodiments, a round shield includes bolas which spread the shield in flight in a cast-net dynamic and wrap around the suspect for shield attachment.

Abstract: An apparatus may comprise an outer skin having an exterior side and an interior side, an internal structure positioned relative to the interior side of the outer skin, and an inner skin. The internal structure may be capable of absorbing a blast load applied to the exterior side of the outer skin. The internal structure may be located between the outer skin and the inner skin.

Abstract: An armor panel comprising an armor member made of a laminated material, having a predetermined ballistic capability and a first flexural strength. The armor panel has a covering layer having a second flexural strength essentially lower than the first flexural strength. The covering layer is bonded to the armor member. The layer is made of a fiber reinforced material such that overall flexural strength of the armor panel is greater than twice the first structural strength. The overall ballistic capability of the armor panel is at least the same as that of the predetermined ballistic capability of the armor member.

Abstract: An armor panel includes a multiple of pins which penetrate a first skin, a high molecular weight polyethylene fiber composite material layer and a second skin which integrates ballistic protection into load bearing structure.

Abstract: A protective shelter is provided offering opposite outer supports and a roof structure extending between the supports, wherein the roof structure comprises a first layer covering a space between the outer supports and providing a first level of protection to the shelter and a second layer in the form of a pre-detonation screen providing a second level of protection to the shelter, wherein the pre-detonation screen comprises a plurality of individual panels arranged and supported over and spaced from the first layer, at least one of the individual panels comprising a first panel material presenting a substantially closed surface to an incoming projectile and at least one second panel material forming an edging strip to the first panel material and being of greater rigidity than the first panel material.

Abstract: Ballistic resistant armor material and assembly including a thin, rigid armor component for stopping and capturing ballistic projectiles, backed by a resilient component formed of thermoplastic elastomeric honeycomb material for absorbing projectile strike energy and reducing impact noise and/or blunt trauma injury. The armor component includes multiple layers of high tensile strength aramid fabric or the like sandwiched between front and back plates made of multiple layers of woven carbon cloth impregnated with an epoxy resin or the like. The several layers of the armor component are formed and compressed to provide a rigid outer shell that can advantageously be configured as planar or shaped to suit particular applications. The resilient component is affixed to the inside surface of the armor component and may include one or more layers of flexible honeycomb material having cells that are open, hermetically sealed, or perforated to provide fluid circulation therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method to both reduce a degree of explosive shock waves and to absorb a degree of explosive blast energy from the undercarriage of a vehicle which comprises the use of one or more layers of rigid closed-cell spray polyurethane foam, applied to the armored undercarriage of the vehicle. This invention combines two key aspects: 1) blast suppression or mitigation materials that absorb energy and 2) traditional military hardened armor solutions. The effectiveness of spray applied rigid foam has been proven to both dramatically reduce shock waves and absorb energy from explosive blasts (e.g., IEDs).

Abstract: A blast protected unit (100) for blast protection comprises: a protecting panel (14) having a first side (7) and a second side (8); a sub-frame (16) adapted to circumscribe said protecting panel (14); and a plurality of energy absorption units (30). The absorption units (30) are adapted to connect the sub-frame (16) to the protecting panel (14). Each of the energy absorption units (30) is connectable to the protecting panel (14) and the sub-frame (16), such that the aforementioned blast protected unit (100) is formed. The energy absorption units (30) are configured to deform under a blast force applied against the first side (7) of the protecting panel (14), allowing the protecting panel (14) to move away from and remain in proximity to the sub-frame (16).

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, device and method. A described device includes a first material configured to reflect a substantial portion of a specified incident air blast wave energy. The first material has an acoustic impedance substantially mismatched to air's acoustic impedance. A second material is configured for wearing proximate to a human body. The second material includes attenuating-regions. A first attenuating-region is configured to attenuate a first range of overpressures utilizing a first inelastic response. A second attenuating-region is configured to attenuate a second range of overpressures utilizing a second inelastic response. At least a portion of the back surface of the layer of the first material is proximate to at least a portion of the front surface of the layer of the second material.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, device and method. A described device includes a layer of a first material configured to reflect a substantial portion of a specified incident air blast wave energy. The layer of the first material has an acoustic impedance substantially mismatched to air's acoustic impedance, and a thickness less than about 3 mm. The device includes a layer of a second material configured to attenuate a substantial portion of the specified incident air blast wave energy utilizing an inelastic response. At least a portion of a back surface of the first material is proximate to at least a portion of a front surface of the second material.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, device and method. A described device includes a first material configured to reflect a substantial portion of a specified incident air blast wave energy. The first material includes a first reflective-region having a first acoustic impedance substantially mismatched to air's acoustic impedance. The first material includes a second reflective-region having a second acoustic impedance substantially less than the first acoustic impedance. The device includes a second material configured to attenuate the specified incident air blast wave energy utilizing an inelastic response. The second material is configured for wearing proximate to a human body. At least a portion of a back surface of the first material is proximate to a front surface of the second material.

Abstract: Composite armor panels are disclosed. Each panel comprises a plurality of functional layers comprising at least an outermost layer, an intermediate layer and a base layer. An armor system incorporating armor panels is also disclosed. Armor panels are mounted on carriages movably secured to adjacent rails of a rail system. Each panel may be moved on its associated rail and into partially overlapping relationship with another panel on an adjacent rail for protection against incoming ordnance from various directions. The rail system may be configured as at least a part of a ring, and be disposed about a hatch on a vehicle. Vehicles including an armor system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A blast energy mitigation structure may employ a V-shaped hull to decrease the pressure wave imparted to a vehicle during a blast event, and/or an energy absorbing structure to absorb a portion of the blast force, thereby minimizing the forces and accelerations experienced by passengers in the vehicle and consequently reducing their injuries and increasing their survivability during a blast event. An exemplary blast energy mitigation structure may have a V-shaped hull and an energy absorbing structure incorporated into the chassis of a vehicle such as a Tactical Wheeled Vehicle, the energy absorbing structure comprising a truss-like structure including I-beams.

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: A bullet resistant panel member for protecting an object, for example a vehicle, from a projectile comprises inner and outer skin layers receiving a plurality of intermediate layers of woven aramid fibres therebetween. The inner and outer skin layers comprises rigid sheets of material arranged to conform to a shape of the object to be protected. Fastening members span under tension between the outer skin layer and the inner skin layer such that the intermediate layers are compressed under pressure between the outer skin layer and the inner skin layer.

Abstract: An impact resistant composite sandwich structure includes least one laminate face sheet joined to a stiffening element. The stiffening element includes a plurality of fibers and a resin for binding the fibers. The resin has a strain-to-failure greater than approximately 6%.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to Anti-ballistic Chairs with the preferred embodiment consisting of a conventionally appearing stacking chair with padded seat cushion and back rest, having a tubular framework with arm rests, having the addition of a skirt section below the seat extending to the floor level. The core of the chair will consist of layers of flexible anti-ballistic fabric, also known as soft armor, wrapped in two directions around the tubular members of the back rest, seat and skirt section. Alternatively, the stacking chair will be constructed of pre-manufactured hard anti-ballistic armor components, also known as hard armor. Two additional embodiments will be folding chairs with tubular frameworks, the first having hard armor anti-ballistic surfaces and the second being able to have hard armor or soft armor anti-ballistic surfaces.

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 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 protective device is provided that includes material strips made of at least two different materials, wherein the thickness of the strips is considerably larger than the height and the height of the strips is at least half as large as the calibre of the explosively formed projectile and both materials have considerably different strengths. The alignment of the sandwich composition is such that the material layers arranged on top of each other face the impact direction. Thus, a projectile designed in the direction of the protective structure shears off and no longer slide through the protection in a straight manner.

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: A ballistic-resistant molded article having a compressed stack of sheets including reinforcing elongate bodies, where at least some of the elongate bodies are polyethylene elongate bodies that have a weight average molecular weight of at least 100,000 gram/mole. Methods for manufacturing ballistic-resistant molded articles are also provided.

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: An armor system for protecting a vehicle from a projectile, the projectile having an expected trajectory, is disclosed. The armor system has a material capable of being detonated and configured to substantially retain a shape, wherein the material leads a vehicle exterior surface relative to the expected projectile trajectory. The material has a dimensional thickness that is greater than a minimum detonation thickness of the material.

Abstract: There is a transparent armor system. The system comprises a transparent front region comprising a strike-face layer. The front region includes a mass of a type of material characterized by having sufficient energy absorption capacity and energy dissipation properties to reduce radial tensile stresses and hoop tensile stresses caused by an impact at the strike face to a set reduced level. The impact has impact energy caused by an impact projectile having a mass hitting the strike-face layer. The system further comprises a transparent back region comprising a potassium-sodium exchanged glass characterized by having a surface compression of at least about 50,000 psi and a compression case depth of at least about 200 microns. The potassium-sodium exchanged glass is present in one of a layer and a plurality of layers in the back region. There are also associated methods of making and methods of using.

Abstract: An armor plate for use in the ballistic protection of a structure against projectiles incoming from an expected threat direction, the plate having an outer face facing the threat direction and comprising a layer of first pellets made of ballistic material of a high density S1 and having a characteristic diameter DP, and second pellets which have a low density section with a central axis transverse to the outer face, along which the low density section at least partially extends, the low density section of the second pellets having a density S2 which is in the range 0?S2<<S1, the second pellets having an outer characteristic diameter DOUT substantially equal to the diameter DP and the low density section having an inner characteristic diameter DIN, DIN<DOUT, each second pellet being surrounded only by the first pellets.

Abstract: An armor structure for a vehicle underbody. The armor structure includes an inner plate that is mounted proximate to the vehicle underbody, the inner plate having a plurality of first openings; and an outer plate that is mounted distal to the vehicle underbody, the outer plate having a plurality of second openings. The inner plate and the outer plate are substantially parallel and separated by a spacing. The inner plate and the outer plate each have substantially equal V bends at an obtuse angle, and the V bends in the inner plate and the outer plate are aligned. The first openings and the second openings are (i) aligned across the spacing from each other, and (ii) substantially equal in area. When an underbody blast event is encountered by the vehicle, the outer plate is forced towards, and substantially against the inner plate such that there is no longer fluid communication through the first openings.

Abstract: An armor package in which RPGs, shaped charges, EFPs, other jets, and small arms threats are defeated using a layered solution incorporating particles designed to embed themselves in the incoming threat, thereby disrupting and diminishing the effectiveness of the threat. Additional components of the armor are designed to work in conjunction with this effect to completely defeat the incoming threat. This armor construction can provide alternatively a higher level of protection for either a given weight or space presently required by a conventional armor solution or an equivalent level of protection in reduced space or at reduced weight than is presently achievable with conventional armor solutions.

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: According to one embodiment, an armor system comprises a plurality of armor layers. The armor system further comprises one or more dilatant material layers located in between two or more armor layers of the plurality of armor layers.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an armor system comprises a plurality of layers of armor and a plurality of air gap layers. The plurality of air gap layers are located in between two or more layers of the plurality of layers of armor. Each air gap layer is located at a respective depth in the plurality of layers of armor. At least a first air gap layer of the plurality of air gap layers is located at a first depth from an outer side of the armor system. The outer side is located toward a projectile impact site. At least a second air gap layer of the plurality of air gap layers is located at a second depth from the outer side. The first air gap layer has a thickness greater than the second air gap layer.

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: The present invention discloses a method of producing and application for a projectile resistant matrix that allows for manufacture of low weight projectile resistant armor trauma shields without metal or ceramic plates using projectile resistant textiles encapsulated in a composite matrix through use of injection molding process or spray-on technique as constituents of the projectile resistant trauma shield without metal or ceramic plates of the present invention.

Abstract: A bullet-resistant defensive device is disclosed made up of layers of bullet resistant material layered together and connected along their peripheral edge on a frame to form a planar shield. The shield so formed works such that a bullet striking the shield causes the layered bullet resistant material to flex thereby dissipating the force of the bullet, the material when it stretches transfers the force of the bullet from a shear mode to a tensile mode. One preferred embodiment incorporates the invention into a clipboard box for use by police officers for protecting against head, neck and hand wounds from handguns fired at close range from vehicles. The hand-held, bullet resistant clipboard box holds documents and writing implements, and the bullet-resistant material is located within the clipboard box interior cavity and configured for catching a fired bullet before it can pass through the entire clipboard.

Abstract: A dual hardness steel article comprises a first air hardenable steel alloy having a first hardness metallurgically bonded to a second air hardenable steel alloy having a second hardness. A method of manufacturing a dual hard steel article comprises providing a first air hardenable steel alloy part comprising a first mating surface and having a first part hardness, and providing a second air hardenable steel alloy part comprising a second mating surface and having a second part hardness. The first air hardenable steel alloy part is metallurgically secured to the second air hardenable steel alloy part to form a metallurgically secured assembly, and the metallurgically secured assembly is hot rolled to provide a metallurgical bond between the first mating surface and the second mating surface.

Abstract: Composite armor panels are disclosed. Each panel comprises a plurality of functional layers comprising at least an outermost layer, an intermediate layer and a base layer. An armor system incorporating armor panels is also disclosed. Armor panels are mounted on carriages movably secured to adjacent rails of a rail system. Each panel may be moved on its associated rail and into partially overlapping relationship with another panel on an adjacent rail for protection against incoming ordnance from various directions. The rail system may be configured as at least a part of a ring, and be disposed about a hatch on a vehicle. Vehicles including an armor system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Several ceramic armor systems are provided herein. One such system is a ceramic armor system for personnel. Such system includes an integral ceramic plate, or a plurality of interconnected ceramic components providing an integral plate. The ceramic has a deflecting front surface or a flat front surface, and a rear surface. A front spall layer is bonded to the front surface of the ceramic plate. A shock-absorbing layer is bonded to the rear surface of the ceramic plate. A backing is bonded to the exposed face of the shock-absorbing layer. A second such system is a ceramic armor system for vehicles. Such system also includes an integral ceramic plate, or a plurality of interconnected ceramic components providing an integral plate. The ceramic plate has a deflecting front surface or a flat front surface, and a rear surface. A front spall layer is bonded to the front surface of the ceramic plate. A shock-absorbing layer is bonded to the rear surface of the ceramic plate.

Abstract: Impact resistant cores and methods of manufacturing such impact resistant cores are provided. Additionally, components made using the impact resistant cores are provided. A particular impact resistant core includes a composite structure of at least one non-woven sheet including poly p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole fiber and a binding resin.

Abstract: The present invention claims a shield which is larger than 72 square inches in area and which is at least semi-rigid; not able to be easily bent with common hand or foot pressure. The invention further claims a shield which is composed of at least two layers of steel-belted tire tread material, in which preferably whole tread sections, which may have some rubber removed, in each layer are abutted and in which adjacent layers have seams which are offset or aligned at different angles. The tire tread layers may be separated by at least one layer of a penetration and/or force resistant or absorbing or dampening material. The interior layers may be substantially flat or not, and the shield itself may be substantially flat or not. The strike face of the shield is covered with a layer of fabric material. The shield may be covered with materials which enhance performance or create an aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A multi step approach to mitigating the effects of explosively formed projectiles (EFPs). The first step involves a splitting step whereby the EFP total mass is reduced into fragments having smaller masses. The fragments are then exposed to cascading armored disks in preparation for a temperature reduction or “cooling” step. Heat is reduced by conduction through a cooling medium. Temperature reduction restores some solid properties to each fragment. The EFP fragments are slowed by exposure to a series of cascading armored disks designed to disperse contact pressures from any remaining fragments.

Abstract: A conformable self-healing ballistic armor protective structure has a shell formed of a laminated cloth material having outer and inner lamellae. The outer lamella of the laminated material is a ballistic cloth and the inner lamella is a soft, conformable self-healing, rubber compound. The shell is filled preferably with multiplicity of ceramic particles disposed in a fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite plate having at least one layer for deflecting a projectile, said layer being composed of a multitude of molded components arranged adjacent to one another; the molded components are embodied in the form of bars that have side surfaces and end surfaces and have the capacity to be arranged in series with one another without gaps; adjacent bars are arranged adjacent to one another without gaps at least partially by means of side surfaces or edges that face each other and the longitudinal axes of the bars are arranged in an inclined fashion enclosing angles ? and ? relative to a perpendicular (L) on a surface of the composite plate in at least two different planes E1 and E2 that are perpendicular to each other.

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.