s.m Zahraee - Department of Industrial Metallurgy and Advanced Processing, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran, Iran
a.r Sabet - Department of composite, Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute, Tehran, Iran

Ceramic materials due to their high compressive strength and hardness have been one of prime candidates in armor design in particular when high level threats (impact velocity above 600 m/s) areinvolved. The aim of this work is to investigate ballistic impact performance for a target platecontaining novel ceramic inserts and compare it to ceramic tiles embedded in polyurethane basedmatrix. Two size 98% alumina (Al2O3) base ceramic inserts with 10 mm diameter and 6 and 10mm inlength were used in the specimen’s preparation. In addition, 6 and 10mm thick ceramic tiles were usedto compare the ballistic performance. Smooth bore gas gun was used to carry out high velocity ballistic impact tests in velocity range of 530- 830m/s on both target plates. Results showed outstanding ballistic performance by the target plate with ceramic inserts in term of lower residual velocity for thespecimens which experienced perforation and lower damage area compared to totally disintegrated plates containing ceramic tiles. Specimens containing ceramic inserts also showed good ballistic resistance in case of multiple impacts whereas the specimens with ceramic tiles almost totally lost itsballistic potentials. Ability to repair on site (debris removal and new ceramic insert replacement) is among unique advantages of this novel design in the armor application.

Ballistic Impact,Ceramic Inserts,Damage Extension,Multiple Impacts