EP1538417A1 - Multilayer armour plating material and process for making it - Google Patents

Abstract

The multilayered armor plate for protection against impacts, projectiles and the like comprises a ceramic or metal layer (2) which is provided with a front support layer (4) consisting of glass fiber and/or carbon fiber reinforced plastic materials. Independent claims are also included for: (A) applications of the proposed armor plate in vehicles, vessels, aircraft and spacecraft, as well as in protective vests; (B) a method for producing such an armor plate.

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a multilayer armor protection material comprising a one or vielstückige ceramic or metallic layer, which in the direction of bombardment seen a rear support layer of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) and / or made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for its preparation according to the preamble of claim 14.

Through armor protection, terrestrial and airworthy vehicles can For example, airplanes, helicopters and satellites as well as potentially endangered ones Persons against impact or ballistic threats. in the Areas of aerospace are mainly anti-tank materials with a favorable mass-protection ratio of advantage. To destroy the projectiles are in Field of civilian terrestrial vehicle protection, in particular on special Steel grade based layers in use, while in military, as well as in the Area of personal protection ceramic layers are used.

Ceramic-based armor protection material is superior to steel solutions lower basis weight with the same protection performance. That's the better Contrary to multi-hit behavior of the steel. By this one understands the receipt of the projectile-stopping properties with multiple impact in low Hits intervals. In armor protection material with steel layer, these distances are typically in the range of distances that are three times the diameter of the Bullet correspond. When using a ceramic layer is the Tolerable hit distance in the range of 8 to 10 times the diameter of the projectile.

All solutions in which the bullet or bullet core first It has to be broken that you have at least two layers with you different functions exist. It has a front, the Beschussbeanspruchung facing layer, which, for example, steel or Ceramic is the task of splitting the projectile as far as possible. A another layer, the so-called backing takes over the function of the catching of shrapnel, as well as the absorption of residual kinetic energy. The Layers can contact each other directly and are glued together or they are in a partitioned system at a defined distance from each other.

In the generic DE 41 14 809 A1 is a bulletproof plate material described, with a front layer of hexagonal ceramic plates, which Seen in the direction of firing a first hard laminate layer of compressed FRP material is subordinate. With the interposition of an adhesive film is a second Laminate layer made of fiberglass material, which faces the first laminate layer is softer. Through the rear, acting as a support layer hard laminate layer is the Ceramic layer are supported, if this of a projectile or at Shock impacting projectile fragments will penetrate. The subordinate, softer laminate layer is intended as a catch layer the projectile or the Geschosssplitter catch without breaking.

In weight-optimized approaches, the solutions are often based on one Combination of a ceramic layer and a backing based on fabric for example Aramid or Dyneema. The minimum possible hit distance However, such systems is above the desired and feasible with steel. One reason is the limited shear strength of the adhesive between ceramics and on the other hand, the damage to the ceramic and the other Associated decrease in the rigidity of the overall system in repeated Impact of projectiles. Furthermore, even with the use of Steel layers provide rigidity to projectiles with high kinetic energy and high hardness is often not enough.

Object of the invention

The invention is based on the object, a multi-layered Armored protective material of the type mentioned in such a way to develop that it with the lowest possible weight a higher protection performance especially at Multiple fire guaranteed. It also aims to be a cost effective method too its production.

This object is achieved by the characterizing features of Claim 1 and the characterizing features of claim 14 solved.

Advantages of the invention

By according to claim 1 of the ceramic or metallic layer in Beschussrichtung seen a front support layer of glass fiber reinforced Plastic (GRP) and / or carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) upstream is, the steel or ceramic layer between the front and the rear Support layer optimally embedded in a composite and supported. This protects in particular the ceramic or steel material from harmful, by a Repeated impact of projectile oscillations caused by the higher stiffness of the structure reduces the vibration amplitudes. A special Advantage of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) and / or carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) existing support layers is located also in their adaptability to curved or angled surfaces, so that the tank material according to the invention is universal, for protection arbitrary shaped surfaces can be used.

According to the manufacturing method of claim 14 is applied to the Beschussbeanspruchung facing surface of the ceramic or Metallic layer The front support layer made of glass fiber reinforced plastic and / or made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and / or on the of the Abrasive surface facing away from the ceramic or Metallic layer, the rear support layer made of glass fiber reinforced plastic and / or carbon fiber reinforced plastic applied by Glass fiber fabric and / or carbon fiber fabric for training with binder impregnated pulp mats (prepregs or wet laminates) with a binder, in particular impregnated with a binder resin, and the impregnated Prepregs or wet laminates during a cure period thermally and / or cured by electromagnetic radiation and at least during a part the curing period against one or both surfaces of the ceramic or metallic layer are pressed. This will be a hot pressing process realized in which the thermosetting binder arranged on both sides Fiber mats for a material connection with the surface of the ceramic or the Steel layer provide, without the addition of an adhesive would have to be used. By the two-sided pressing can also advantageously during a single process step both support layers, the front and the rear Support layer are applied to the ceramic or steel layer.

The measures listed in the dependent claims are advantageous Further developments and improvements in the claims 1 and 14 specified invention possible.

According to a preferred embodiment, the ceramic or metallic Layer of the front support layer and the rear support layer completely sheathed, especially at the end faces. This is advantageously a particularly rigid and firm cohesion of the composite given.

An advantage is the use of glass fiber reinforced plastic and / or Carbon fiber reinforced plastic for the front and / or the rear Support layer also, if the ceramic or metallic layer at least locally deviates from a flat plate and a curvature and / or a bend and / or if the layer thickness of the ceramic or metallic layer is variable. Because the most on the basis of layers, fabrics, knitted or Knitted existing fiber plastics can be easily before curing Adjust uneven shapes. Particularly preferred includes the glass fiber reinforced Plastic and / or the carbon fiber reinforced plastic a unidirectional Scrim of 90 degrees offset to each other arranged layers parallel Fibers.

According to a development, the front support layer and / or the rear Support layer a volume related carbon and / or Glass fiber content of at least 10%.

According to a further development measure, the matrix consists of the front Support layer and / or the rear support layer of a thermal and / or by electromagnetic radiation curable polymer, for example from a Phenolic resin.

When using a ceramic layer, this can be a monolithic ceramic For example, from alumina or silicon carbide. Alternatively, too a fiber reinforced ceramic can be used. In particular, a sintered, or ceramic produced by infiltration with liquid silicon.

Fiber-reinforced ceramics may preferably be so-called C / SiC materials, in which preferably carbon-based fibers, in particular carbon fibers or graphite fibers are bonded in a matrix formed predominantly of SiC, Si and C. The C / SiC composite ceramics may also comprise other high temperature resistant fibers which contain, in addition to carbon, other elements such as Si, B, N, O or Ti. The procedure for producing C / SiC material is characterized in that initially a CFC material is formed. Particularly preferred is the production of short fiber bundle reinforced CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastics) consisting of carbonizable substance and / or carbon coated carbon fibers or fiber bundles and fillers and binders pressed with a core to the desired shape and cured and then carbonized and / or graphitized is, so that a CFC or C / C-shaped body is formed as an intermediate. This shaped body is manufactured in the present case as a thin plate with the desired thickness. However, the base material is not limited to CFC materials. Other temperature-stable ceramic fibers, in particular those based on SiO ₂ , Al ₂ O ₃ , ZrO ₂ , or SiC, which have been coated with carbon or graphite, may likewise be used as the fiber material.

The plate material is made of carbon fiber reinforced carbon material then at temperatures of about 1600 ° C in vacuo or under inert gas with a silicon melt or a silicon alloy melt infiltrated, thereby at least part of the carbon of the matrix and / or the fibers in SiC is converted. In addition to silicon can be used as further components of the melt also the metals of the subgroups I to VIII are used, in particular Ti, Cr, Fe, Mo, B and Ni. The liquid infiltration of the CFC molding results in a dense, strong and very hard shaped body of C / SiC material containing fibers, generally carbon fibers, with a matrix of predominantly SiC, Si and C.

Alternatively, the matrix of the molding may be wholly or partly through a Gas phase infiltration (CVD or CVI) are generated. Then the matrix has one relatively high SiC content, typically over 95%. Furthermore, the Production of the matrix by the pyrolysis of Si-containing, preceramic Polymers are made, as for example by the pyrolysis of polymers arise containing one or more of the elements Si, B, C, N, P or Ti.

Preferred applications of the armor protection material according to the invention relate the ballistic protection in land, air and water vehicles, as deposit or integral part of protective vests and as a satellite shield. At all These applications are especially the low weight of glass fiber reinforced Plastic or carbon fiber reinforced plastic advantageous. For the last Above-mentioned use as a satellite protective shield is a ceramic based on C / SiC material because of the high temperature resistance of Advantage.

According to a particularly preferable development of the invention Process is by the pressing process and curing simultaneously on the the impact stress facing surface of the back support layer a catchment layer comprising in particular aluminum, aramid or dyneema applied. Then with a single pressing process four layers, namely the front support layer, the ceramic or steel layer, the rear support layer and the collecting layer are joined together, each by the thermosetting binder of the prepregs forming the front and back support layers the material connection between the individual layers comes about.

Alternatively, individual or all of the layers mentioned can also be used by Liquid adhesive or adhesive film are glued together.

drawings

Below is an embodiment of the invention in the drawings shown and explained in more detail in the following description. The only figure shows a sectional view of an armor material according to a preferred Embodiment of the invention.

Description of the embodiments

In the context of the manufacturing process of the preferred shown in the figure Embodiment of an armor material 1 according to the invention is an approximately 12 mm thick, carbon fiber reinforced ceramic plate 2, in particular a plate from a C / SiC composite ceramic with the dimensions 350 mm x 400 mm on the anti-abrasion surface with 12 layers of one unidirectional clutch of 90 degrees offset from each other Layers of parallel carbon fibers directly occupied. On the opposite, the shelling facing surface of the Ceramic plate are 2 layers of preferably the same unidirectional Geleges immediately brought to the plant.

Both clutches are before or at the same time as hanging up on the Ceramic layer 2 with a thermal and / or electromagnetic radiation curable polymer, in particular impregnated with a phenolic resin as a binder, in order to form fibrous mats impregnated with the binder, so-called prepregs which the matrix consists of the polymer.

The curing of the prepregs to CFK (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) takes place Preferably, by means of a conventional Autoklavprozesses instead, in which the Ceramic layer 2 enclosing, impregnated prepregs, for example, below a curing temperature in a range between 50 ° C to 180 ° C and below Presses are cured against the ceramic layer. During the Hardening process creates an adhesion or a fabric bond of the prepregs with the surfaces of the ceramic layer 2, by the initially viscous binder in the rough surface structure of the ceramic layer penetrates and solidifies after some time or hardens. This forms the ceramic layer in the direction of bombardment upstream, cured prepreg has a front support layer 4 and that of Ceramic layer 2 downstream in the direction of bombardment, cured prepreg a rear support layer 6 from. Particularly preferred may be during the Manufacturing process, the ceramic layer of the front support layer and the rear Support layer are completely sheathed, especially at the end faces.

Preferably, in the context of pressing and curing simultaneously on the surface facing away from the impact stress of the rear Support layer containing in particular aluminum, aramid or Dyneema Captured layer 8 is applied with a thickness of about 10 mm. Then you can with a single pressing four layers, namely the front support layer 4, the Ceramic or steel layer 2, the rear support layer 6 and the collecting layer. 8 be connected to each other.

Alternatively, the pressing and curing operation on the front support layer 4, the Ceramic layer 2 and the rear support layer 8 limited. The collecting layer 8 in Form of an approximately 10 mm thick backing made of aramid fabric can also on the such be glued prepared laminate.

Due to the flexible material properties of the prepregs before curing For example, the front support layer 4 and / or the rear support layer 6 and possibly also the backing 8 instead of a flat ceramic layer 2 on at least one locally deviating from a flat plate and a curvature and / or a Bending and / or varying with respect to the layer thickness Ceramic layer 2 are applied.

The armor material had a basis weight of less than 45 kg / m ² and was tested in bombardment tests according to the fire class FB 7. The results showed a significant increase in rigidity compared to tank material without front, glass or carbon fiber reinforced support layer 4. The primary, but especially the secondary damage in the ceramic plate caused by the impact of the projectile were greatly reduced. In the embodiment with glued-back 8, the loads on the adhesive bond between the back support layer 6 and the backing 8 could be reduced so that the otherwise observed partial or full-scale detachment of the backing 8 remained, whereby the armor material 1 remained intact even with multiple bombardment and the multihit behavior has been greatly improved. Overall, not only the surface weight-related protection performance was increased by the measures mentioned, but it was also the adhesion of the backing 8 at the rest of the ballistic system can be significantly improved.

In the other embodiments, only the following became explicit described characteristics of the armor material changed, otherwise the same Structure as in the preferred embodiment.

Thus, the carbon fiber reinforced ceramic plate 2 became the preferred one Embodiment replaced by a plate of monolithic ceramic, which for example, consists of alumina. The dimensions of the ceramic were about 250 mm x 350 mm, the thickness 8 mm.

A further development of the embodiment described above provided that carbon fiber reinforced ceramic plate 2 through a ballistic steel plate to replace with a thickness of about 8 mm.

According to a development, the ceramic layer 2 of the armor material was 1 from individual ceramic tiles with the dimensions 20 mm x 20 mm x 8 mm constructed in a known manner for ballistic systems together were added to a ceramic structure measuring 300mm x 300mm form.

In another embodiment, the ceramic layer 2 was curved and especially in your geometry adapted to the wheel arch of a motor vehicle, the flexible fiber-laid front and back support layer 4, 6 are easily adaptable to this curved shape before curing.

Furthermore, curved, based on a ceramic layer 2 was also Tank material 1 manufactured as a deposit of a protective or bulletproof vest. The Total protection system as a combination of liner and west liner was like tested in the beginning, the result was correspondingly positive.

According to another training was as Backing 8 a Dyneema clutch used. Also conceivable is a front and / or rear support layer 4, 6 one with carbon and aramid fibers or with carbon and glass fibers built up hybrid fabric.

Claims (17)

Multilayered armor protection material (1) comprising a one-piece or multi-piece ceramic or metallic layer (2) which, viewed in the direction of firing, is followed by a rear support layer (6) made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) and / or carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), characterized that the ceramic or metallic layer (2) seen in the direction of bombardment is preceded by a front support layer (4) made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) and / or carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). An armor protection material according to claim 1, characterized in that the ceramic or metallic layer (2) of the front support layer (4) and the rear support layer (6) is completely sheathed, in particular at the end faces. An armor protection material according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ceramic or metallic layer (2) deviates at least locally from a flat plate and has a curvature and / or an angling. An armor protection material according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer thickness of the ceramic or metallic layer (2) is variable. An armor protection material according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front support layer (4) and / or the rear support layer (6) has a volume-related carbon and / or glass fiber content of at least 10%. An armor protection material according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carbon fibers and / or the glass fibers are present in the form of loops, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics or knitted fabrics. An armor protection material according to claim 6, characterized in that the glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) and / or the carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) includes a unidirectional scrim of offset by 90 degrees to each other arranged layers of parallel fibers. An armor protection material according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the matrix of the front support layer (4) and / or the rear support layer (6) consists of a thermally and / or by electromagnetic radiation curable polymer. An armor protection material according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, as seen in the direction of firing, the rear support layer (6) is followed by a catching layer (8), which in particular contains aluminum, aramid or dyneema. An armor protection material according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ceramic layer (2) comprises a monolithic ceramic or a fiber-reinforced ceramic (C / SiC), in particular a sintered ceramic or a ceramic produced by infiltration with liquid silicon. Use of an armor protection material according to at least one of Claims 1 to 10 as ballistic protection in land, air and Watercraft. Use of an armor protection material according to at least one of Claims 1 to 10 as a deposit or integral part of Protective vests. Use of an armor protection material according to at least one of Claims 1 to 10 as a satellite shield. Method for producing a multilayer armor protection material (1) comprising a one-part or multi-layered metallic or ceramic layer (2), in particular a metallic or ceramic layer which deviates from a flat plate and has a curvature and / or an angling and / or variable with respect to the layer thickness (2), characterized in that on the surface of the ceramic or metallic layer (2) facing the shearing stress a front supporting layer (4) of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) and / or carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and / or on the Protective stress facing away from the surface of the ceramic or metallic layer (2) a rear support layer (6) made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) and / or carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is applied by glass fiber fabric and / or carbon fiber fabric to form binder impregnated fiber mats (prepreg s or wet laminates) with a binder, in particular impregnated with a binder resin, and the impregnated prepregs or wet laminates cured during a Aushärtezeitraums thermally and / or by electromagnetic radiation and at least during a part of the curing period against one or both surfaces of the ceramic or metallic Layer (2) are pressed. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that the ceramic or metallic layer (2) of the front support layer (4) and the rear support layer (6) is completely sheathed, in particular at the end faces. Method according to one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that at the same time by the pressing process and the curing on the surface facing away from the Beschussbeanspruchung the rear support layer (6), in particular aluminum, aramid or Dyneema-containing collecting layer (8) is applied. Method according to at least one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, when thermally cured, the curing temperature is in a range between 50 ° C to 180 ° C.

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