Transparent armour ballistic performance modelling and optimization

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A principal factor in the safety and effectiveness of the Canadian Armed Forces are advanced protectivestrategies for ballistic threats. Specifically, the enhancement of transparent armour for vehicle protection is essential for situational awareness while ensuring high mobility to manoeuvre when exposed to threats. This study will build on previous modeling, validation, experimental testing and optimization studies to reduce the weight and increase the performance of ballistic protection. The aims of this study include: impact testing to develop and validate models, optimization and testing of armour, and durability investigations. The long term outcome is to develop an optimized transparent armour system with reduced weight and thickness compared to conventional strategies, leading to improved protection, durability, reduction of risk in operational environments, and improved understanding of the ballistic performance of transparent armour.Numerical methods have been used successfully to investigate the mechanisms and processes in ballistic impact, and to improve protection. In parallel, focused experimental testing will provide essential model validation data and ultimately assess the performance of the optimized designs. Coupling numerical methods with focused experimental testing will provide a predictive approach for optimizing ballistic protection. The proposed research is truly collaborative, with contributions from DRDC Valcartier Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, The Prelco Group, General Dynamics Land Systems, and Saint-Gobain Crystals. This truly unique collaboration incorporates advanced transparent ceramic materials, transparent armour integration, ballistic testing, durability testing, and end user applications for vehicle protection. Continuous interactions are planned over the course of the project to ensure meaningful technology transfer from the University to Industry, DRDC and NRC. Ultimately, the availability of the data, models, and know-how generated by this research will result in optimized transparent armour solutions, as well as enhancing the competitiveness of the industrial partners.