Effect of the impact geometry in the ballistic trauma absorption of a ceramic multilayered armor system

Ceramic armors are frequently used for protection against high energy projectiles, such as the 7.62 mm and 5.56 mm. Recently, it has been demonstrated that a modification in the geometry of the impact face, from flat to convex, enlarges the stress distribution zone created by the projectile-target interaction. This effect raises the projectile's energy absorption and might improve the user's safety. In the present work, the objective is to characterize ceramic armor plates with convex impact face, by means of the NIJ-0101.06 (2008) standard methodology, aiming to provide an eventual application in armor vests. The characterization is based on the measurement of the backface signature, a deformation behind armor imprinted in a reference material that simulates the consistency of the human body. The results showed significant improvement in the ballistic performance after the impact geometry modification.