Analysis of the influence of different constraints on the ballistic performance of B₄C/C/UHMWPE composite armor

A lightweight composite armor system composed of boron carbide (B₄C) ceramic panels, carbon-fiber interlayer, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) backplate has been widely used. This study aims to explore the effect of different constraint conditions on the ballistic resistance of lightweight composite armor. Thus, ballistic experiments of 12.7 mm armor-piercing incendiary (API) projectiles impacting armor targets under different constraint conditions are designed, and numerical simulations are performed to simulate the structural impact response of composite armor. A satisfied consistency is revealed by comparing the numerical results and the ballistic experimental results. Besides, the numerical simulation method is used to research the influence of the distance between the impact point and the constraint conditions on the ballistic performance of the composite armor. The results demonstrate that the ballistic performance of the composite armor is better if the impact point is farther from the constraint conditions as this can enhance the flexibility of composite armor. In conclusion, the flexibility of the constraint conditions is positively correlated with the ballistic performance of B₄C/C/UHMWPE composite armor. This conclusion provides a guideline for the design and application of composite armor.