Behavior of Multi-Layered Metal Plates under Ballistic Impact

Abstract

In the effort invested in finding an optimization design for metal structures, the protection performance of double and multi-layered metal shields against projectile impacts was studied experimentally and numerically. Although the idea of using layered plates instead of monolithic ones in order to increase the ballistic perforation resistance is not new [1]-[2]. Results obtained by various authors are contradictory and thus detailed experimental and numerical work is still required [3]-[4]. In the present study, we examined the ballistic performance of different target combinations impacted by a 7.62 mm ogival head armor piercing projectile in the velocity range of 920-950 m/s. The residual velocity was measured through the use of high-speed camera for tracking the projectile before and after perforation. Numerical models were developed using the explicit finite element code LS-DYNA. Good agreement was obtained between the numerical simulation and the experimental results. It was found that the overall protection level may be significantly decreased by layering the target. However, when spacing the layered target, the projectile was severely damaged. This effect decreases the penetration capability of the projectile.