Penetration Mechanisms and Ballistic Performance of TiC-TiB₂ Composite Armour under the Impact of Long-Rod Kinetic-Energy Projectiles

Abstract

Based on preparing TiC-40mol%TiB2 composite by combustion synthesis under high gravity, the ballistic targets with different-thickness ceramic tiles were achieved by lateral, cover and back confinements of shrink-fit steel. Ballistic testing showed that as the thickness of ceramic tile was smaller than 12 mm, the penetration of the ceramic tile was mainly controlled by the combination of the initial-shock and steady-state penetration, resulting in poor ballistic performance of the ceramic. As the thickness of ceramic tile was larger than 12 mm, the penetration of the ceramic tile was controlled by the combination of steady-state and third-stage (projectile deceleration and erosion acceleration) penetration, resulting in improved ballistic performance of the ceramic.