Ballistic performance of novel design of bulletproof plates inspired by biomimetic approaches


KAYACAN M. Y., Üzün A.

Polymers for Advanced Technologies, vol.34, no.1, pp.299-316, 2023 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 34 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/pat.5888
  • Journal Name: Polymers for Advanced Technologies
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.299-316
  • Keywords: biomimetic, bullet impact, CFRP, FEA, Inconel 718
  • Isparta University of Applied Sciences Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Metal and polymer matrix composite materials are preferred in bulletproof applications due to their high-impact resistance and lightness. Personal/demand-specific designs that have become possible with the developing additive manufacturing technologies have brought a new perspective to armor technologies. At the same time, parts with complex structures designed with biomimetic approaches can be easily manufactured with additive manufacturing. In this study, biomimetic armors obtained from standard Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and Inconel 718 materials were compared with traditional armor structures. Within the scope of the study, 9 × 19 mm2 parabellum and 7.62 mm NATO bullets were impacted at 275 m/s and 600 m/s speeds on biomimetic and conventional armor consisting of three and five layers. Bullet velocities during impact, deformation of bullets, deformation of armor, and harmonic behavior are discussed. The results obtained were also used to calculate the damped impact energies. In the study, it was determined that biomimetic plates could absorb 22%–38% more impact energy. It has been determined that CFRP materials can absorb 45% more impact energy compared to Inconel 718.