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: According to an embodiment, a ballistic structure comprises a front pellet layer configured to face a ballistic threat and rear pellet layer therebehind, each of the pellet layers comprising a plurality of pellets, which can be made of a ceramic material, having cylindrical bodies with their height axes in both layers being substantially parallel to each other, the pellets being arranged in a honeycomb pattern within a binder matrix, the pellet layers being codisposed such that all interior spaces (i.e., spaces which are surrounded on all sides by pellets) of each pellet layer are entirely overlapped by an area of the other pellet layer that is free of such spaces, the two layers being by an intermediate layer having such a width and being made of such a material as to allow the rear layer to rigidly support the front layer.

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: An apparatus for providing protection from ballistic rounds, projectiles, fragments and explosives. The apparatus includes a core, grinding layer and bonding layer. The core is shaped and configured as a structural truss of the apparatus, in which the core includes a plurality of parallel, adjacent rows and the core distributes and dissipates force impacting on the apparatus. The grinding layer is positioned on at least one side of the core facing towards potential threats, in which the grinding layer grinds rounds, projectiles, fragments or other materials impacting the apparatus, helping to dissipate the impacting material and its momentum. The bonding layer bonds the grinding layer together and the grinding layer to the core and provides an outer coating to the apparatus on a side of the apparatus facing potential threats and through which rounds, projectiles, fragments or other materials impact and penetrate the apparatus.

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.