On the ballistic response of comminuted ceramics

Recent results have strongly suggested that the ballistic-resistance of different comminuted ceramics is similar, independent of the original strength of the material. In particular, experimental work focused on the ballistic response of such materials has suggested that ballistic response is largely controlled by shattered material morphology. Consequently, it has been postulated that control of the nature of ceramic fragmentation should provide a potential route to optimise post-impact ballistic resistance. In particular, such an approach would open up a route to control in multi-hit capabilities. Here, ballistic tests into pre-formed 'fragmented-ceramic' analogues assembled from compacted alumina powders with two differing morphologies were conducted. Strong hints of a morphology-based contribution to ballistic resistance were apparent, although there was insufficient fidelity in the experimental data set to categorically identify the nature of this contribution.