Armor systems

Abstract

An armor system useful, for example, as a shroud, comprising a first pliable, cut resistant fibrous layer and a second pliable fibrous layer is disclosed. The first layer is arranged to receive an impact from a large projectile prior to the second layer and engages the projectile to slow its velocity. The second layer is substantially coextensive with the first and dissipates the incoming energy of the impact to resist complete penetration of the second layer by the projectile, preferably by deforming in response to the impact. Both layers comprise fibers having a tensile modulus of at least about 200 g/d, and an energy-to-break of at least about 8 J/g and a tenacity equal to or greater than about 10 g/d. In another embodiment, the layers are reversed relative to the impact face of the system so that the second layer becomes the first layer and is resistant to projectiles impacting the system, while the first layer becomes the second layer and resists deformation of the system by projectile impacts. Any projectile which completely penetrates the first layer is engaged by the second layer to slow its velocity and prevent complete penetration of the second layer. This armor system provides excellent ballistic resistance with enhanced deformation control.

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       8 . An armor system comprising a first pliable, cut resistant fibrous layer and a second pliable fibrous layer substantially coextensive with said first layer, the first layer being arranged to receive an impact from a projectile prior to the secod layer and engaging the projectile to slow its velocity, the second layer dissipating the incoming energy of the impact to resist complete penetration of the second layer by the projectile, both layers comprising fibers having a tensile modulus of at least about 200 g/d, and an energy-to-break of at least about 8 J/q and a tenacity equal to or greater than about 10 g/d, wherein the first layer comprises a plurality of uncoated nonwoven networks of randomly oriented fibers and the second layer comprises a plurality of nonwoven networks or oriented fibers.  
   
   
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       16 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the fibers have a tenacity equal to or greater than about 22 g/d, a tensile modulus equal to or greater than about 900 g/d and an energy-to-break equal to or greater than about 27 J/g.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 8  wherein the fibers have a tenacity equal to or greater than about 35 g/d, a tensile modulus equal to or greater than about 1500 g/d and an energy-to-break equal to or greater than about 50 J/g.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein the fibers are polyethylene.  
   
   
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       21 . An armor system comprising a first pliable, cut resistant fibrous layer and a second pliable fibrous layer substantially coextensive with said first layer, the first layer being arranged to receive an impact from a projectile prior to the second layer and engaging the projectile to slow its velocity, the second layer dissipating the incoming energy of the impact to resist complete penetration of the second layer by the projectile, both layers comprising fibers having a tensile modulus of at least about 200 g/d, and an energy-to-beak of at least about 8 J/q and a tenacity equal to or greater than about 10 g/d, the second layer comprising a braided network of fibers.  
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 21  wherein the first layer comprises a plurality of uncoated nonwoven networks of randomly oriented fibers.  
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 22  wherein at least one of said nonwoven networks of randomly oriented fibers comprises discontinuous fibers.  
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 23  wherein the discontinuous fibers have a length ranging from about 0.25 to 10.0 inches (0.63 to 25.4 cm).  
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 24  wherein said nonwoven network comprising discontinuous fibers is a felt.  
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 22  wherein the fibers have a tenacity equal to or greater than about 22 g/d, a tensile modulus equal to or greater than about 900 g/d and an energy-to-break equal to or greater than about 27 J/g.  
   
   
       27 . The system of  claim 26  wherein the fibers are aramid fibers.  
   
   
       28 . The system of  claim 22  wherein the fibers have a tenacity equal to or greater than about 35 g/d, a tensile modulus equal to or greater than about 1500 g/d and an energy-to-break equal to or greater than about 50 J/g.  
   
   
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       54 . An armor system comprising a first pliable fibrous layer and a second pliable, cut resistant fibrous layer, the first layer being arranged to receive a high velocity impact from a projectile prior to the second layer and being resistant to said impact, the second layer minimizing any deformation of the system by the projectile impact to the first layer and engaging the projectile upon penetration by the projectile of the first layer, both layers comprising fibers having a tensile modulus of at least about 200 g/d, and an energy-o-break of at least about 8 J/g and a tenacity equal to or greater than about 10 g/d, the networks of said second layer comprising interlaced unidirectional fiber tapes.  
   
   
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       63 . In a jet engine system that includes a jet engine and a nacelle, the improvement comprising an armor system comprising a first pliable, cut resistant fibrous layer and a second pliable fibrous layer substantially coextensive with said first layer, the second layer being located closer to the nacelle than the first layer and the first layer being located closer to the jet engine than the second layer, said first layer engaging any projectile thrown by said engine to slow its velocity, the second layer dissipating the incoming energy of the impact to resist complete penetration of the second layer by the projectile, both layers comprising fibers having a tensile modulus of at least 200 g/d, and an energy-to-break of at least about 8 J/g and a tenancity equal to or greater than about 10 g/d.  
   
   
       64 . In a jet engine system that includes a jet engine and a nacelle, the improvement comprising an armor system comprising a first pliable, cut resistant fibrous layer and a second pliable fibrous layer substantially coextensive with said first layer, the second layer being located closer to the nacelle than the first layer and the first layer being located closer to the jet engine than the second layer, the first layer comprising a plurality of networks selected from the group consisting of an uncoated, nonwoven network of randomly oriented fibers and an uncoated, knitted network of fibers, the second layer comprising a plurality of networks selected from the group consisting of a loosely woven network of fibers, a knitted network of fibers, a braided network of fibers, and a nonwoven network of oriented fibers, both layers comprising fibers having a tensile modulus of at least about 200 g/d, and an energy-to-break of at least about 8 J/g and a tenacity equal to or greater than about 10 g/d.