Calculation of the Energy of Elastic Deformation of Kevlar Backing Plates for Ceramic Armours

Abstract : An equation is developed which enables the calculation of the elastic deformation energy of a Kevlar plate used as a backing for ceramic armour, following projectile impact. Knowledge of the plate profile at maximum deflection is required. Plate profiles were obtained by photographically recording ballistic impacts. The energy of deformation of the composite backing represents 30 to 60% of the projectile's initial kinetic energy as calculated for two light weight ceramic armours.