Body armor strand-structure methodology

Abstract

Structure, methodology and performance involving and utilizing body armor strand material which includes an elongate strand body possessing elongate brittle ceramic surface structure, elongate ductile core structure disposed within that surface structure, and elongate brittle/ductile transition structure operatively interposed and joining the surface and core structures. Methodology includes the steps of preparing a defined mass of elongate ceramic-surfaced, ductile-cored strand elements, each including, along the outside of its length, elongate, sharp-angular edges, and placing that mass in the impact path of such a projectile in a manner whereby edges in the strands face the projectile impact path. Response performance of the invented strand material includes using fragmentation of a surface-hardened ceramic therein to dissipate energy, cutting an impacting projectile into fragments and deflecting those fragments, and telegraphing fragmentation of the ceramic material through a brittle/ductile region in the strand material to a ductile core-region wherein resulting deformation of this core region further dissipates projectile energy.

1 . A armoring method for disabling a dangerous projectile, such as a bullet, comprising
 preparing a defined mass of elongate ceramic-surfaced, ductile-cored strand elements, each including, along the outside of its length, elongate, sharp-angular edges, and   placing that mass in the impact path of such a projectile in a manner whereby edges in the strands face the projectile impact path.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said preparing includes creating a weave of such strand elements. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said preparing includes creating a chaotic, random jumble of such strand elements. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the elements are sized in such a fashion that their lengths lie in the range of about 2- to about 8-times their maximum transverse cross-sectional dimensions. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mentioned edges are formed by intersecting outside surfaces in the elements which meet at an angle that is preferably no more than about 90°.