Modelling of the adhesive layer in mixed ceramic/metal armours subjected to impact

The effect of the adhesive layer, used to bond ceramic tiles to a metallic plate, on the ballistic behaviour of ceramic/metal mixed armours is analysed mathematically and experimentally. Two types of adhesives, polyurethane (soft adhesive) and rubber-modified epoxy resin (rigid adhesive), and different thicknesses, are considered in the study. Numerical simulations were made of low calibre projectiles impacting on alumina tiles backed by an aluminium plate, using a commercial finite difference code. Full-scale tests were carried out to check the influence of the adhesive. An engineering model was also developed to provide a preliminary design tool taking account of the influence of the adhesive. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.