Ballistic performance of titanium alloy encapsulated ceramic composite plates

Abstract

Titanium alloy (Ti–6Al–4V) encapsulated ceramic (SiC) composite plates were fabricated using graphite mould casting. The ballistic penetration resistance of the plate was evaluated experimentally using a ballistic rifle. Numerical simulations using the finite element method were also conducted to predict the ballistic resistance. The underlying mechanisms were explored in terms of local stress distribution, energy absorption, ballistic limit velocity and obliquity effect. The influence of structural confinement and metal–ceramic interfaces on the overall ballistic performance of the plate was discussed.