A facile method for the estimation of ceramic performance in light armor systems

Abstract

Ballistic armor material development has been historically constrained by the limitations of existing predictive models. Traditional approaches, primarily reliant on finite element models, are not only computationally intensive but also often fall short in accurately predicting the ballistic performance of ceramics, particularly with novel materials. This challenge is exacerbated by the lack of clear correlations between a ceramic material's mechanical properties and its ballistic efficacy in existing equations. In this context, we have developed a novel empirical equation that represents a significant shift from conventional methods. This facile formula provides a more cohesive and predictive way to estimate ballistic performance from material mechanical properties, accurately defines performance relations between different material types, and addresses the gaps that have hindered previous methodologies. This new ballistic efficacy equation conclusively answers the old question as to which mechanical properties correlate with performance in light armor systems and opens avenues for the rapid development and optimization of more effective ceramic armor materials.