The optimization of two component composite armours

This paper draws attention to the potential of two component composite armours for providing lightweight protection for vehicles and seeks to establish a method for optimizing the design of such systems. Using an existing theoretical model, expressions are developed for the optimum value of the front plate to back plate thickness ratio. The results of a programme of trials in which 7.62 mm ammunition was fired at a range of alumina/aluminium targets are presented. A good level of correlation is observed between the experimental results and the theoretical predictions.