Through an analysis on the relationship among ceramic properties, the depth of penetration (DOP) test parameters and the ballistic performance of armour ceramics based on literatures, the effects of ceramic type, tile thickness and projectile velocity on the ballistic performance of different kinds of ceramics were investigated systematically. The results show that the ballistic performance of different armour ceramics mainly depends on its density, and by using thin ceramic tiles or under high velocity impact, the ceramic composite armour could not provide effective ballistic protection. Furthermore, the differences in the ballistic performance of armour ceramic are found due to the different ballistic performance criteria and DOP test conditions. Additionally, the slope of the depth of penetration (not include tile thickness) (P a ) versus tile thickness has negative correlation with flexural strength of ceramics, indicating the flexural strength can be one of the criteria to evaluate the performance of armour ceramics.

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The ballistic impact tests of SiC and B 4 C ballistic insert plates were conducted with 87-type 5.8 mm steel core projectile. Through the analysis on the depth of penetration in clay witness, bulge volume at the back of the ballistic insert plates, and impact damage being nondestructively tested by digital radiograph (DR), the damage characteristics of SiC and B 4 C ballistic insert plates after multi-hit were investigated. Meanwhile, the microstructures and mechanical properties of ceramic materials were also studied. The results show that SiC and B 4 C ballistic insert plates effectively resist 87-type 5.8 mm steel core projectile for 3 times and show good multi-hit capability. The depths of penetration in clay witness of B 4 C ballistic insert plate are comparable with SiC ballistic insert plate. Compared with SiC ballistic insert plate, the volume of bulge at the back of B 4 C ballistic insert plate is reduced by more than 35%, and the average diameter of the ceramic cone of B 4 C ballistic insert plate is increased by more than 30%. The impact energy of the projectile is effectively absorbed by the B 4 C ballistic insert plate, which attributes to the high hardness of B 4 C ceramic.