Functionally and Geometrically Ordered Ti Armor
Summary of the Current Results
We have investigated ballistic performance of functionally graded and geometrically ordered composites manufactured using advanced manufacturing processes. The advanced manufacturing technologies such as Additive Manufacturing, enable armor configurations that can provide new, or can better utilize conventional projectile defeat mechanisms.
Computational modeling and design optimization using High Performance Computing was employed to scope some of the material and geometric features made possible by the new manufacturing methods, and to investigate mechanisms of armor response and projectile defeat. The ballistic tests of the new armor designs with complex geometric features have shown mass efficiency increase of more than 25%. The investigated geometric and material features represent just a small subset of armor designs that are achievable by the new advanced manufacturing methods.