Numerical and experimental investigation of the ballistic performance of the armor structure with in-layer deflector against bullets

Abstract This is a study to investigate ballistics performance of armor structures with in-layer deflector against projectiles. For this purpose, the armor structure, which consists of a v-cross section sheet metal array covered with aluminum and steel plates, has been designed and optimized. Firstly, numerical simulations were studied using the finite-element method (FEM). The ANSYS LS-DYNA FE software is used for the ballistic analysis. The Johnson-Cook constitutive equation and damage model were used to model the behavior of metal armors under impact in the ballistic simulations. In the next step, experimental studies were carried out. Penetration depths were measured; including the magnitude of plate bending in front of the target plate and bulging behind it. Comparisons between the results of the finite element analysis (FEA) and the tests reveal that a bullet with a velocity of 868 m/s penetrated the target, but the target could not be penetrated at a firing speed of 631 m/s Furthermore the experimental and numerical results were in good agreement.