Experimental study on ceramic balls impact composite armor

Ceramic balls represent a new type of damaging element, and studies on their damaging power of composite armor are required for a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of various types of weapons. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of ϕ7 mm toughened Al₂O₃ ceramic balls on a composite ceramic/metal armor. The influences of the ceramic panel and the thickness of the metal backing material on the destroying power of the ceramic balls were first determined. Based on the agreement between numerical simulation, experimental results, and calculation models of the target plate resistance, the response mechanism of the ceramic balls was further analyzed. The results indicate that for a back plate of Q235 steel, with an increasing thickness of the ceramic panel, the piercing speed limit of the ceramic balls gradually increases and the diameter of the out-going hole on the metal back decreases. Different conditions were tested to assess the effects on the piercing speed, the diameter of the out-going hole, the micro-element stress, and the integrity of the recovered ceramic bowl.