U.S. patent application number 12/292686 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-26 for embedding particle armor for vehicles.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ideal Innovations, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert William Kocher, David E. Simon.
Application Number | 20120186425 12/292686 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46543152 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120186425 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kocher; Robert William ; et
al. |
July 26, 2012 |
Embedding particle armor for vehicles
Abstract
An armor package in which RPGs, shaped charges, EFPs, other
jets, and small arms threats are defeated using a layered solution
incorporating particles designed to embed themselves in the
incoming threat, thereby disrupting and diminishing the
effectiveness of the threat. Additional components of the armor are
designed to work in conjunction with this effect to completely
defeat the incoming threat. This armor construction can provide
alternatively a higher level of protection for either a given
weight or space presently required by a conventional armor solution
or an equivalent level of protection in reduced space or at reduced
weight than is presently achievable with conventional armor
solutions.
Inventors: |
Kocher; Robert William;
(Arlington, VA) ; Simon; David E.; (Alexandria,
VA) |
Assignee: |
Ideal Innovations, Inc.
Arlington
VA
|
Family ID: |
46543152 |
Appl. No.: |
12/292686 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
89/36.02 ;
89/904; 89/929 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 5/0492
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
89/36.02 ;
89/904; 89/929 |
International
Class: |
F41H 5/04 20060101
F41H005/04 |
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. Embedding particle armor, comprising a thin-walled cavity; and
a plurality of particles contained inside the thin-walled
cavity.
20. The embedding particle armor of claim 19, wherein each particle
of the plurality of particles has a longest linear dimension that
is less than any longest linear dimension of an expected
threat.
21. The embedding particle armor of claim 19, wherein each particle
of the plurality of particles has a density greater than that of an
expected threat.
22. The embedding particle armor of claim 19, wherein each particle
of the plurality of particles is configured such that discrete
particles embed on an expected threat rather than act
homogenously.
23. The embedding particle armor of claim 19, wherein each particle
of the plurality of particles has a longest linear dimension that
is less than or equal to three fourths of an inch.
24. The embedding particle armor of claim 19, wherein each particle
of the plurality of particles has a density that is less than or
equal to 1,500 pounds per cubic foot.
25. The embedding particle armor of claim 19, wherein the
thin-walled cavity has a thickness that is less than or equal to
one and a half inches.
26. Embedding particle armor, comprising a thin-walled cavity; a
plurality of particles contained inside the thin-walled cavity; and
a matrix that suspends the plurality of particles within the
thin-walled cavity.
27. The embedding particle armor of claim 26, wherein each particle
of the plurality of particles has a longest linear dimension that
is less than any longest linear dimension of an expected
threat.
28. The embedding particle armor of claim 26, wherein each particle
of the plurality of particles has a density greater than that of an
expected threat.
29. The embedding particle armor of claim 26, wherein the plurality
of particles is configured such that discrete particles embed on an
expected threat rather than act homogenously.
30. The embedding particle armor of claim 26, wherein the matrix is
passive.
31. The embedding particle armor of claim 26, wherein the matrix is
energetic.
32. An armor system, comprising one or more thin-walled cavities; a
plurality of particles contained inside the one or more thin-walled
cavities; and two or more solid armor layers.
33. The armor system of claim 32, further comprising a matrix that
suspends the plurality of particles within the thin-walled
cavity.
34. The armor system of claim 32, wherein the solid armor layers
further comprise a strike face that is closest to an expected
threat; a base armor that is furthest from the expected threat; one
or more front layers arranged between the strike face and a first
thin-walled cavity; one or more intermediate layers arranged
between the first thin-walled cavity and a second thin-walled
cavity; and one or more rear layers arranged between the second
thin-walled cavity and the base armor.
35. The armor system of claim 32, wherein the solid armor layers
comprise a strike face that is closest to an expected threat and a
base armor that is furthest from the expected threat; wherein at
least one of the one or more thin-walled cavities is located
between the strike face and the base armor; and wherein at least
one of the solid armor layers further comprises a front layer
arranged between the strike face and the thin-walled cavity and
having a thickness that is less than or equal to two and a half
inches.
36. The armor system of claim 32, wherein the solid armor layers
comprise a strike face that is closest to an expected threat and a
base armor that is furthest from the expected threat; wherein at
least one of the one or more thin-walled cavities is located
between the strike face and the base armor; and wherein at least
one of the solid armor layers further comprises a front layer
arranged between the strike face and the thin-walled cavity having
a sub-layer of ceramic material with a smallest dimension that is
less than or equal to three fourths of an inch.
37. The armor system of claim 32, wherein the solid armor layers
comprise a strike face that is closest to the source of an expected
threat and a base armor that is furthest from the source of the
expected threat; wherein at least one of the one or more
thin-walled cavities is located between the strike face and the
base armor; and wherein at least one of the solid armor layers
further comprises a front layer arranged between the strike face
and the thin-walled cavity with one face contiguous with the strike
face and the opposite face contiguous with the thin-walled
cavity.
38. The armor system of claim 32, wherein the solid armor layers
further comprise a strike face that is closest to an expected
threat; a base armor that is furthest from the expected threat; one
or more front layers arranged between the strike face and a first
thin-walled cavity; and one or more intermediate layers arranged
between a first thin-walled cavity and a second thin-walled cavity,
wherein the width between a face of the first thin-walled cavity
that is furthest from the expected threat and a face of the second
thin-walled cavity that is closest to the expected threat is less
than or equal to eight inches.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] This application relates to vehicle armor, specifically, to
an armoring approach that employs a novel construction designed to
exploit a novel defeat mechanism and provide a high level of
protection from Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), shaped charges,
Explosively Formed Projectiles (EFPs), platter charges, and other
jets.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] With the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and
similar types of warfare anticipated in the future, the role of
armor in the protection of vehicle-borne soldiers is more critical
than ever. In practice, vehicle armor is a compromise between the
level of protection afforded to the vehicle occupants, and the
weight burden the vehicle must carry. Additional weight negatively
impacts the mobility of armored vehicles, particularly in areas
where road-bed integrity is suspect, and roads may be narrow, such
as in Iraq and Afghanistan.
[0005] Past efforts have related to the material construction of
vehicle armor solutions which have sought to increase the ability
of the armor system to defeat particular threats using established
mechanisms including blunting and eroding. The approach used in the
Embedding Particle Armor enables a fundamentally different armor
design which provides superior protection with reduced aerial
density and spatial requirements.
SUMMARY
[0006] The object of Embedding Particle Armor for Vehicles is to
provide an armor solution that exploits a novel defeat mechanism
and provides a high level of protection from Rocket Propelled
Grenades (RPGs), shaped charges, Explosively Formed Projectiles
(EFPs), platter charges, and other jets. This is accomplished by
using a layered armoring approach in which discrete chambers
containing specifically designed particles are used to blunt,
flatten, and otherwise appropriately condition incoming threats to
allow capture in residual armor sections. The particles used in
this Embedding Particle Armor are specifically designed to embed
into the incoming threat causing the threat to gain mass, deform,
and change shape; a fundamentally different approach from previous
approaches which have sought to alternatively blunt and erode
incoming threats. This armor approach will enable a high level of
protection to be provided at a lower areal density, reduced
thickness, be producible at lower cost, and with greater
manufacturing ease than presently existing approaches.
[0007] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the invention
are:
[0008] (a) to provide an armor construction that can utilize
multiple projectile defeat mechanisms including embedding particles
and others;
[0009] (b) to provide an armor construction that can be optimized
to the types of threats anticipated;
[0010] In accordance with the present invention, the Embedding
Particle Armor is an armor system primarily intended for vehicular
applications, and designed to offer improved protection from RPGs,
shaped charges, EFPs, platter charges, and other jets, without the
generally corresponding increase in the armor system's areal
density or thickness. Expressed in another manner, armor designed
to use embedding particles alone or in conjunction with other
threat defeat mechanisms, can offer higher Mass Efficiency, and
Spatial Efficiency, compared to other armor solutions defeating
RPGs, shaped charges, EFPs, other jets, and small arms fire.
DRAWINGS--FIGURES
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a section view of an armor formulation
containing embedding particles.
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a section view or an alternate armor
formulation containing embedding particles.
[0013] FIGS. 3A to 3D show illustrations of an incoming threat in
contact with embedding particles.
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a detail view of the interaction between an
incoming threat and the embedding particles.
[0015] FIG. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of an armor formulation
using embedding particles.
TABLE-US-00001 DRAWINGS--Reference Numerals 10 thin-walled cavity
12 particles 14 matrix 16 incoming threat 18 leading surface of the
threat 20 particles embedded into the threat 22 threat containing
embedded particles 24 embedded particles 26 threat with embedded
particles 28 strike face 30 front layers of material 32 embedding
particle layer 34 intermediate layers of armor 36 rear armor layers
38 base armor
DETAILED DESCRIPTION--FIG. 1--FIRST EMBODIMENT
[0016] One embodiment of the Embedding Particle Armor is
illustrated in FIG. 1. The Embedding Particle Armor has a
thin-walled cavity 10 containing a narrow section of specially
designed particles intended to embed into, but not penetrate
through, an incoming threat. These layers are thin compared to the
media chambers used in abrasive media-based armor solutions, and
contain particles 12 specifically designed to blunt, flatten, and
otherwise appropriately condition incoming threats to allow capture
in subsequent layers of armor. The walls of these cavities 10 are
to be comprised of metal (e.g., Ti, RHA Steel, HH Steel, or other),
composite material (e.g., Kevlar, Dyneema, Spectra, Twaron, or
other), ceramic, or any combination of these materials, and are
intended to secure the embedding particles in position prior to
impact by the incoming threat. Design features of the particles 12
themselves may include size, shape, density, and composition.
Particle size will be smaller than the expected incoming threat,
allowing the particle to embed within the incoming threat upon
impact. They would, however, be sufficiently large as to allow
discrete particles to embed into the incoming threat, rather acting
homogenously on the incoming threat. The shape of the Embedding
Particle Armor particles may be spherical, square, cylindrical, or
otherwise formed, with the common feature that a characteristic
length defined to be the longest linear or diametric dimension will
be less than that of the expected incoming threat allowing the
particle to become embedded within the threat upon impact. The
density of the Embedding Particle Armor particle will be higher,
potentially significantly higher, than that of the incoming threat.
There will be an optimum combination of density and shape that
enables the particles to become deeply embedded within the incoming
threat, but not pass completely through, thereby maximizing
disruption. The Embedding Particle Armor particles may be comprised
of metal (e.g., W, Pb, Steel, or other), ceramic, mineral (quartz,
garnet, or other), composite, or a combination of any of these
materials.
FIGS. 2-5--Alternative Embodiments
[0017] FIG. 2 shows illustrates an alternate construction of the
embedding particle layer in which the particles 12 are suspended
within a matrix 14 comprising epoxy, resin, or other material
capable of locating the particles. This suspension medium may be
passive or energetic.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows an illustration of the interaction of the
incoming threat and Embedding Particle Armor during impact. The
Embedding Particle Armor is impacted by the incoming threat 16. At
impact, the leading surface of the threat 18 is disrupted.
Embedding Particles are embedded into the incoming threat 20,
adding mass and bulk to the threat, as well as deforming the
leading surface of the threat, enabling remaining segments of the
overall armor system the ability to more effectively disrupt and
defeat the incoming threat. After impact, the original threat
contains embedded particles 22 and has been deformed, disrupted,
and slowed.
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a detail view of the type interaction expected
between an incoming threat and the embedding particles. This view
illustrates embedded particles 24 that have penetrated into the
threat 26, causing the threat to deform and increase in mass
effecting both the shape of the incoming threat and causing a
reduction in velocity. The initial kinetic energy of the penetrator
is given by KE.sub.threat, initial=1/2*m.sub.threat*(v.sub.threat,
initial).sup.2; during the inelastic collision with the embedding
particles, momentum is conserved, therefore m.sub.threat,
initial*v.sub.threat, initial=(m.sub.threat+m.sub.embedding
particles)*v.sub.threat, final. The resulting kinetic energy of the
penetrator with embedding particles can then be expressed as
KE.sub.threat, final=1/2(m.sub.threat+m.sub.embedding
particles)*(V.sub.threat, final).sup.2. Alternatively, the change
in kinetic energy remaining segment of the armor will have to
defeat can be expressed as
.DELTA.KE=1/2*m.sub.threat*(v.sub.threat,
initial).sup.2*[1-(m.sub.threat/(m.sub.threat+m.sub.embedding
particles))]. Additionally, as the velocity of the lead penetrators
is reduced, following penetrators may overrun the lead elements,
further disrupting the ability of the threat to penetrate the armor
system.
[0020] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of armor package
employing the Embedding Particle Armor (section view). As shown in
FIG. 5, the strike face 28 and front layers of material 30
condition the incoming jet prior to impact with the embedding
particle layer 32. The strike face and front layers comprise one or
more discrete layers. Layers have individual thicknesses ranging up
to 2.5 inches, and are comprised of metal (e.g., Ti, RHA Steel, HH
Steel, or other), composite material (e.g., Kevlar, Dyneema,
Spectra, Twaron, or other), ceramic, or other combination of these
materials. Ceramic content in each of these individual layers may
range up to 0.75 inches. These initial layer(s) may have uniform or
non-uniform composition, and spacing. While these dimensions and
compositions represent a preferred embodiment, one versed in the
art will recognize that other dimensions and compositions may be
useful. The strike face and front layers are designed to maximize
the efficacy of the embedding particle layer, as well as the
overall effectiveness of the armor package. Alternatively, these
layers may not be present, allowing incoming threats to directly
impact the layer of Embedding Particle Armor.
[0021] The embedding particle layer 32 contains particles designed
to embed into and disrupt incoming threats. Individual layers of
embedding particles may have overall thicknesses ranging up to 1.5
inches. Individual embedding particles may have characteristic
lengths ranging up to 0.75 inches, and densities ranging up to
1,500 lb per cubic foot. Particles may be comprised of metal,
ceramic, or other material. While these dimensions and compositions
represent a preferred embodiment, one versed in the art will
recognize that other dimensions and compositions may be useful.
When an incoming threat impacts this layer, it has already passed
through the strike face and front layers. After passing through the
layer of Embedding Particle Armor, the incoming threat will impact
an intermediate layer and additional embedding particle layers
present.
[0022] The intermediate layers of armor 34 condition the incoming
threat after it has impacted a layer of Embedding Particle Armor,
but prior to impact with a subsequent layer of Embedding Particle
Armor. These layers may comprise one or more discrete layers of
metal (e.g., Ti, RHA Steel, HH Steel, or other), composite material
(e.g., Kevlar, Dyneema, Spectra, Twaron, or other), ceramic, or any
combination of these materials. Intermediate layers of armor may
have an overall thickness per section, including air gaps, of size
ranging up to 8.0 inches, include individual metal thicknesses
ranging up to 3.0 inches, individual ceramic thicknesses ranging up
to 1.0 inches, and individual composite thicknesses ranging up to
6.0 inches. While these dimensions and compositions represent an
alternative embodiment, one versed in the art will recognize that
other dimensions and compositions may be useful. The individual
layers may have uniform or non-uniform composition, and spacing.
Alternatively, these layers may not be present, allowing the
incoming threat to impact subsequent layers of Embedding Particle
Armor without further conditioning.
[0023] The rear armor layers 36 are comprised of one or more
discrete layers of metal (e.g., Ti, RHA Steel, HH Steel, or other),
composite material (e.g., Kevlar, Dyneema, Spectra, Twaron, or
other), ceramic, or any combination of these materials. These
layers may have overall thicknesses ranging up to 8.0 inches,
individual metal thicknesses ranging up to 3.0 inches, individual
ceramic thicknesses ranging up to 1.0 inches, and individual
composite thicknesses ranging up to 12.0 inches. While these
dimensions and compositions represent an alternative embodiment,
one versed in the art will recognize that other dimensions and
compositions may be useful. These layers disrupt and catch any
remaining components of the incoming threat prior to the threat
impacting the base armor 38.
[0024] The base armor 38 is the final section of armor in this
alternative embodiment. In vehicular applications, this layer may
also function as the wall of the crew capsule. This layer may
comprise one or more discrete layers of metal (e.g., Ti, RHA Steel,
HH Steel, or other), composite material (e.g., Kevlar, Dyneema,
Spectra, Twaron, or other), ceramic, other materials, or a
combination of these materials. Any components of the incoming
threat that penetrate to this level are stopped by the base
armor.
[0025] An example of the benefit of this type of armor construction
will be seen in vehicle applications where space and weight are
important considerations. In areas like Afghanistan, the
maneuverability of our ground vehicles plays a significant role in
the ability of our soldiers to maneuver through areas in which
roads, when present, are not sized to accommodate some of the
larger armor vehicles previously fielded. This armor construction
used in the Embedding Particle Armor will enable a high level of
protection from RPGs, shaped charges, EFPs, other jets, and small
arms with less armor thickness than some armor approaches currently
available. It will also enable a high degree of protection to be
provided at a lower weight than other armor approaches currently
available, which is a critical requirement on smaller vehicles that
may not have the ability to withstand the large loads associated
with some armor solutions.
* * * * *