Optimizing Viscoelastic Properties of Rubber Compounds for Ballistic Applications

Abstract

Using interlayers of rubber adds a positive effect to the synergy of disruptor–absorber armors. Emerging from its viscoelasticity the material is able to transform mechanical stress into heat. The dynamic mechanical properties of elastomers depend on both ambient temperature and frequency of an applied mechanical load. The damping shows a maximum in the glass transition area. If the frequency of the glass transition is in the magnitude of the mechanical stress rate applied by ballistic impact, the elastomer will undergo the transition and thus show maximized damping. An ideal material for ballistic protection against small calibers is developed by making use of dynamic mechanical analysis and the time–temperature superposition principle. The material is later analyzed by ballistic experiments and compared to other nonideal rubbers with regard to glass transition temperature, hardness and damping. It is shown that by choosing a material correctly with certain glass transition temperature and hardness, the ballistic properties of a steel–rubber–aluminum armor can be enhanced. The chosen material (butyl rubber) with a hardness of 50 °ShA is able to enhance energy absorption during ballistic impact by around 8%, which is twice as good as other rubber with non-optimized properties.

Approaches toward High Resilience Rubber Foams: Morphology–Mechanics–Thermodynamics Relationships

“…Second, small relative movements of side groups, or short segments of chain, at chain ends in the structure, are allowed by the thermal energy of the molecules. [ 75 ] This gives a time‐dependent strain response and also a decrease in the modulus. These sub‐ T g molecular relaxation processes are known in most rubbers, as the temperature decreases and the stress relaxations.…”

Investigation on the ballistic performance of rubber-aluminum (AA7075-T651) laminated plates reinforced with borosilicate glass balls

“…The study showed that the flexibility of the matrix greatly affects the energy absorption capacity of the composite structures and that the hard epoxy matrix composites have lower ballistic performance than the flexible epoxy matrix composites. Karl et al 2 studied the ballistic protection properties of different rubber mixtures used as an intermediate layer in sandwich armors.…”

Experimental and Numerical Study on a Non-Explosive Reactive Armour with the Rubber Interlayer Applied against Kinetic-Energy Penetrators—The ‘Bulging Effect’ Analysis

“…The viscoelastic properties allow elastomers to undergo extensive deformation and, after unloading, to retract an initial shape and simultaneously absorb the mechanical energy of a loading. In the military and defence, natural and synthetic rubber compounds are developed to withstand extreme operating environments and specific demands characteristic for combat zones, e.g., [ 4 ]. They are used as parts of various components present on a battlefield, e.g., dumpers, seals, fuel tanks and pillow bladders, load-bearing equipment, anti-terrorism barriers, anti-explosive absorbers and as a component of armours.…”