ASSESSMENT OF THE PROTECTIVE PROPERTIES OF SHOCK-RESISTANT CERAMIC–POLYMER COMPOSITES USING ACOUSTIC NONDESTRUCTIVE METHODS

Abstract

The application of acoustic nondestructive methods was studied with the purpose of determining the composition and structure of combined ceramic–polymer protective materials according to the criteria of impact resistance and protective barrier endurance. The methods of acoustic measurements were adapted to the characteristics possessed by groups of specimens from the following materials: ceramics, polymer composites, honeycomb-structure materials, and combined ceramic–polymer materials. Stiffness, ρс², was used as an informative parameter to define the elasticity of the materials in the direction of impact, and frequency drift was used as a measure of elastic wave dissipation. The measured acoustic characteristics of the samples were compared to the known criteria for armor impact resistance of ceramics and the results of ballistic tests. It was established that the ceramic–polymer material with gradient support demonstrated better ballistic endurance and lower behind-barrier deformation. The material is recommended for production of efficient impact-resistant composites possessing enhanced dissipative capability.