Ballistic Impact Analysis of Composite Armors Incorporating Prismatic and Spherical Self-Healing Ceramic Structures

Abstract

An innovative composite armor design aimed at enhancing bullet deflection and self-healing properties was presented. The armor incorporates triangular prismatic and spherical alumina ceramics with the prismatic ceramics fixed to the inner casing and the spherical ceramics freely positioned in vertical grooves. This arrangement allows the spherical ceramics to shift and fill gaps left by shattered ceramics post-impact, thereby providing limited self-healing capabilities. Ballistic tests and finite element simulations, validated by these tests, demonstrated the armor's effectiveness in deflecting projectiles. The design showed significant deflection, when projectiles impacted either directly on the triangular prismatic structures or on two adjacent spheres followed by the prismatic structures. Direct hits on the prismatic ceramics prevented perforation by the bullet core with only jacket fragments passing through. The ballistic tests also confirmed the armor's self-healing capacity. Damaged ceramics moved to lower gaps, while intact spherical ceramics filled the damaged zones, restoring protection. This gravity-assisted self-healing mechanism, combined with the bullet-deflecting properties, results in a lightweight and efficient armor solution suitable for vehicle applications. The armor design proposed addresses critical challenges of ceramic armor, such as brittleness and fragmentation, by utilizing geometric arrangements and self-healing capabilities to enhance overall protective performance.