The effect of manufacturing parameters on various composite plates under ballistic impact

Abstract

In this study, the usability of several composite plates in level III and level IV body armors were examined, along with the ballistic resistance, protection level, and production parameters of each plate. For level III protection, composite panels are made using the heat pressing method under various pressures, and for level IV composites, ceramic plates of various thicknesses are reinforced on the back with various composite materials. Ballistic tests using the NIJ standards were performed on the created composite panels. There were delaminations between the layers as a result of the ballistic test in the level III protective panels produced at 140 bar pressure, but there was no puncture in the panels produced at 250 bar pressure, and the depth of trauma was reduced to a minimum. These observations were made using samples produced at 90 bar pressure under controlled conditions. Level IV panels were subjected to dry and wet ballistic tests, and the results of these tests showed that K-flex reinforced ceramics were impervious to punctures. It has been found that aramid-reinforced epoxy ceramic panels and UD H62 reinforced ceramics have superior ballistic qualities and are 6% lighter.