Optimization of number, sequence and thickness of layers for metal-ceramic multilayer armor

Determination of the number, sequence and thickness of layers in the composite armors of metal-ceramic multilayer configurations has gotten to be a very compelling issue in 21st century in terms of creating solutions yielding best ballistic performance against kinetic energy threats. This situation has evolved to be subjected to more research so as to gain more insight to resolve areas of drawbacks that have emerged so far. To mention some of these areas the effect of ceramic choice, high strength or ductile metals to be used either as cover- or back-plate, the effect of layering, best thickness ratio of ceramic to backplate, the effect of spacing, etc. have to be taken into account. It is intended within this study to cover some of these areas to end up with possible deductions towards the optimized ballistic performance. Some configurations were created to serve for this purpose. STANAG 4569 KE-4 ballistic protection level is aimed to be accomplished although the target point of view is dominant throughout the study. High velocity ballistic tests were carried out by the use of 12,7 mm steel core AP ammunitions. After ensuring the numerical results by depth of penetration conform to those of tests -simultaneously carried out- by small error margins, more numerical analyses were performed to populate sufficient data to extract the necessary deductions. In accord with these deductions, it is discovered, inter alia, that ceramic choice matters, layering is good by no means, and best protection could be elicited by a configuration in which the collocation of layers is in the order of a hard and high strength metal as coverplate, space, ceramic of high elastic modulus and ductile metal guaranteeing low density as backplate respectively. KEYWORDS: Metal - ceramic multilayer armor, composite armor, high velocity, silicon carbide, impact,