Passive double-layer shielding systems, requirements and solutions

Abstract

This article presents a general classification of protection levels used by NATO forces, as well as basic requirements for passive vehicle protection systems. It presents the conditions for using lightweight armor systems as additional armor to the basic armor of a combat vehicle, in order to increase the level of protection while minimizing the vehicle's weight. Particular attention is paid to two-layer protective systems composed of a ceramic layer and a laminate layer. A synthetic discussion of the physical processes occurring in such systems when penetrated by a hard-core anti-tank projectile is provided. The Florence analytical model was used to consider the effectiveness of the two-layer armor, which was used to determine the material configuration and create the shield models. Ballistic tests verified the effectiveness of the shields by exposing them to fire from a 7.62 AP anti-tank projectile with a hard tungsten core, with an energy of approximately 3.65 kJ and an impact velocity exceeding 900 m/s. Based on the results of ballistic tests and observations of the behavior of the tested shield models, an analysis of the energy absorption mechanisms of the protective system components was conducted. The balance of internal energy accumulated by the system was also presented. The paper contains a discussion of the results and conclusions.