Using an Analytical Model of Simulation in the Design of Lightweight Armours

This paper presents a model for the simulation of the impact of projectiles of high kinetic energy on light-weight ceramic/metal armours. The work was financed jointly by the Defence Ministries of Spain, Italy, Holland and Denmark as part of a project between nations for the development of tools for the design of this type of armour. The model consists of a series of differential equations incorporating the most essential phenomena of the impact process formulated after a close study of a series of real fire tests. A nucleus of calculation into which these equations may be integrated in time, and also of a user interface, are features of a practical preliminary design tool whose efficacy is amply confirmed by test results.