Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F41—WEAPONS
  • F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
  • F41H5/00—Armour; Armour plates
  • F41H5/02—Plate construction
  • F41H5/04—Plate construction composed of more than one layer
  • F41H5/0492—Layered armour containing hard elements, e.g. plates, spheres, rods, separated from each other, the elements being connected to a further flexible layer or being embedded in a plastics or an elastomer matrix

Definitions

• the present invention relates to armor.
• vehicles such as tanks, personnel carriers, trucks, aircraft, and the like, as well as the vehicle's contents, from damage by enemy fire.
• vehicles are known to include armor to reduce the likelihood that ballistic rounds, shaped charge jets, explosively-formed penetrators, or other such projectiles will penetrate the vehicle. If the rounds penetrate the vehicle, the occupants of the vehicle may be injured or the vehicle's ability to operate may be impaired. It is also desirable to protect individual persons from damage by enemy fire.
• Personal body armor is typically worn as an external vest or covering and is designed to defeat a number of threats that may be encountered in the field.
• Conventional personal body armor typically consists of a single ceramic plate inserted into the vest or covering to provide ballistic protection. This single plate is prone to breakage from normal handling and, if broken, its ballistic properties are severely compromised.
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first illustrative embodiment of an armor
• Figure 2 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the armor embodiment of Figure 1 ;
• Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of illustrative embodiments of prismatic elements of the armor embodiment of Figure 1 ;
• Figure 5 is an end, elevational view of the prismatic element of Figure 3;
• Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the armor embodiment of Figure 1 , taken along the line 6-6 in Figure 1 ;
• Figure 7 is a partially exploded, perspective view of a second illustrative embodiment of an armor;
• Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views of illustrative embodiments of prismatic elements of the armor embodiment of Figure 7;
• Figure 10 is an end, elevational view of one of the prismatic element of Figure
• Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the armor embodiment of Figure 7, taken along the line 1 1 -11 in Figure 7;
• Figure 12 is a partially exploded, perspective view of a third illustrative embodiment of an armor
• Figures 13 and 14 are perspective views of illustrative embodiments of prismatic elements of the armor embodiment of Figure 12;
• Figure 15 is an end, elevational view of the prismatic element of Figure 13;
• Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the armor of Figure 12, taken along the line 16-16 in Figure 12;
• Figure 17 is an end, elevational view of an alternative, illustrative embodiment of a prismatic element
• Figure 18 is a partially exploded, perspective view of a fourth illustrative embodiment of an armor
• Figures 19 and 20 are perspective views of illustrative embodiments of prismatic elements of the armor of Figure 18;
• Figure 21 is an end, elevational view of the prismatic element of Figure 19;
• Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the armor of Figure 18, taken along the line 22-22 in Figure 18;
• Figure 23 is a partially exploded, perspective view of a fifth illustrative embodiment of an armor;
• Figures 24 and 25 are perspective views of illustrative embodiments of prismatic elements of the armor of Figure 23;
• Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the armor of Figure 23, taken along the line 26-26 in Figure 23;
• Figures 27-29 are perspective views illustrating curved embodiments of the present armor
• Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative embodiment of an armor incorporating a corner
• Figure 31 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a prismatic element of the present armor
• Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view of the prismatic element of Figure 31 , taken along the line 32-32 in Figure 31 ; and
• Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of the prismatic element of Figure 31 , taken along the line 33-33 in Figure 31.
• the present invention represents a ballistic armor having a prismatic, tessellated core.
• the core comprises a plurality of layers of tessellated, prismatic elements.
• the layers of tessellated, prismatic elements are separated from one another by strain isolation layers.
• the prismatic elements are arranged such that faces of prismatic elements in adjacent layers of prismatic elements, separated by the strain isolation layer, are in facing, nested relationships to one another.
• the ballistic armor further includes a strike face sheet and a rear face sheet, such that the core is disposed between the strike face sheet and the rear face sheet.
• the ballistic armor further includes a viscoelastic layer disposed between the core and the strike face sheet and/or a viscoelastic layer disposed between the core and the rear face sheet.
• one or more of the prismatic elements defines at least one cavity or recess in which an explosive grain is disposed. Furthermore, in some embodiments, at least one of the prismatic elements is not opaque, i.e., has some degree of transparency or translucency.
• FIG 1 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of an armor 101.
• Figure 2 depicts an exploded, perspective view of the embodiment of armor 101 shown in Figure 1.
• armor 101 comprises a core 103 disposed between a strike face sheet 105 and a rear face sheet 201.
• Strike face sheet 105 comprises a material that will, to some degree, substantially impede the progress of a ballistic projectile.
• strike face sheet 105 comprises titanium; a titanium alloy; aluminum; an aluminum alloy; an organic-matrix composite material, such as, for example, graphite-, carbon-, aramid-, para-aramid-, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene- or fiberglass-reinforced epoxy composite material; a metal-matrix composite material, such as carbon-, silicon carbide-, or boron-reinforced titanium or aluminum composite material; a laminated material, such as titanium/aluminum laminate; a nanomaterial, such as fiberglass with nanocarbon fibers; or the like.
• organic-matrix composite material such as, for example, graphite-, carbon-, aramid-, para-aramid-, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene- or fiberglass-reinforced epoxy composite material
• a metal-matrix composite material such as carbon-, silicon carbide-, or boron-reinforced titanium or aluminum composite material
• a laminated material such as titanium/aluminum laminate
• a nanomaterial such as
• strike face sheet 105 comprises titanium; a titanium alloy; aluminum; an aluminum alloy; an organic-matrix composite material, such as, for example, graphite-, carbon-, or fiberglass-reinforced epoxy composite material; a laminated material, such as titanium/aluminum laminate; or the like.
• rear face sheet 201 comprises a material that will significantly reduce the velocity of spall ⁇ e.g., projectile fragments, fragments of armor 101 , or the like) exiting armor 101. More preferably, rear face sheet 201 comprises a material that will substantially prevent such spall from exiting armor 101. For example, in various embodiments, rear face sheet 201 comprises one of the materials disclosed above of which strike face sheet 105 is comprised.
• rear face sheet 201 comprises titanium; a titanium alloy; aluminum; an aluminum alloy; an organic-matrix composite material, such as, for example, graphite-, carbon-, aramid-, para-aramid-, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene- or fiberglass-reinforced epoxy composite material; a laminated material, such as titanium/aluminum laminate; a nanomaterial, such as fiberglass with nanocarbon fibers; or the like.
• organic-matrix composite material such as, for example, graphite-, carbon-, aramid-, para-aramid-, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene- or fiberglass-reinforced epoxy composite material
• a laminated material such as titanium/aluminum laminate
• a nanomaterial such as fiberglass with nanocarbon fibers
• rear face sheet 201 comprising any material suitable for a particular implementation.
• the thicknesses of strike face sheets (e.g., strike face sheet 105) and spall liners or rear face sheets (e.g. rear face sheet 201 ) are implementation specific, depending upon the ballistic threat.
• the thickness of strike face sheet 105 is about 0.09 inches and the thickness of rear face sheet 201 is about 0.75 inches.
• strike face sheet 105 and/or rear face sheet 201 comprises, in certain embodiments, a glass, such as borosilicate or aluminosilicate glass or the like; ceramic-glass, such as sapphire, spinel, aluminum oxynithde, or the like; glass-like; or polymeric material, such as polycarbonate, acrylic, or the like, that exhibit some degree of transparency.
• glass materials may comprise a laminated construction using, for example, polyvinyl butyral, polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate, or the like as laminating bonding agents.
• Core 103 comprises a plurality of layers 107 and 109 of tessellated, prismatic elements 203, 205, 207, and 209.
• Prismatic elements 203, 205, 207, and 209 may comprise various different ceramic, glass, glass-ceramic, or glass-like materials, even within the same armor 101.
• prismatic elements 203, 205, 207, and 209 may exhibit various degrees of transparency.
• prismatic elements 203, 205, 207, and 209 may be opaque, translucent, semi-transparent, generally transparent, substantially transparent, transparent, and so forth.
• Exemplary ceramic materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, boron carbide, silicon nitride, silicon aluminumoxynithde, or the like.
• prismatic elements 203, 205, 207, and 209 comprise aluminum oxide, as aluminum oxide is generally lower in cost than other ceramic materials.
• Prismatic elements 203, 205, 207, and 209 may comprise, for example, any of the materials that exhibit some degree of transparency or translucency discussed herein as being suitable for strike face sheet 105 and/or rear face sheet 201.
• armor 101 comprises a first viscoelastic layer 211 , disposed between core 103 and strike face sheet 105, and/or a second viscoelastic layer 213, disposed between core 103 and rear face sheet 201.
• viscoelastic layers 211 and 213 are omitted from armor 101. Viscoelastic layers 211 and 213 are made of one or more viscoelastic materials.
• viscoelastic means the exhibition of both elastic and viscous properties that are demonstrable in response to mechanical shear.
• viscoelastic layers 211 and 213 comprise materials such as, for example, polyurethane, polysulfide polymer, natural rubber, silicone rubber, a synthetic rubber, or the like, or a combination of such materials.
• the viscoelastic layers attenuate the shock wave that travels through armor 101 upon impact by a ballistic projectile, which improves the overall ballistic efficiency. Additionally, these layers constrain and bond the prismatic elements together to inhibit prismatic elements 203, 205, 207, and 209 from becoming dislodged during use. If a viscoelastic material is not used, such as for cost savings, then a typical bonding agent can be used, such as epoxy, polysulfide, or the like.
• one or more prismatic elements 203, 205, 207, and 209 are not opaque, i.e., exhibit some degree of transparency or translucency, and one or both of strike face sheet 105 and rear face sheet 201 also are not opaque
• viscoelastic layers 211 and 213 exhibit refractive indices corresponding to the material comprising the nonopaque prismatic elements 203, 205, 207, and 209. Examples of materials comprising such viscoelastic layers 211 and 213 include, but are not limited to, polyurethane, acrylic, polycarbonate, epoxy, and the like.
• Figure 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of prismatic elements 203 and 207.
• the term "prismatic element” means a three-dimensional element having a first base, a second base, and a plurality of faces extending therebetween.
• prismatic elements 203 and 207 include a first base 301 , a second base 303, and a plurality of faces 305, 307, and 309 extending therebetween.
• First base 301 and second base 303, as well as other such corresponding bases, are closed, planar figures bounded by substantially straight and/or curved edges.
• first base 301 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 311 , 313, and 315.
• Second base 303 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 317, 319, and 321.
• Figure 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of prismatic elements 205 and 209.
• Prismatic elements 205 and 209 are truncated portions of prismatic elements 203 and 207.
• prismatic elements 205 and 209 take on the form of substantially half of prismatic elements 203 and 207, although other configurations are contemplated by the present invention. It should be noted that the omitted portion of prismatic element 203 or 207 is shown in phantom in Figure 4.
• prismatic elements 205 and 209 include a first base 401 , a second base 403, and a plurality of faces 405, 407, and 409 extending therebetween.
• First base 401 and second base 403 are closed, planar figures bounded by substantially straight and/or curved edges.
• first base 401 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 411 , 413, and 415.
• Second base 403 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 417, 419, and 421.
• first base 301 of prismatic elements 203 and 207, as well as second base 303 is a triangle in the illustrated embodiment. Edges 311 and 313 define an angle A 1 , edges 311 and 315 define an angle A 2 , and edges 313 and 315 define an angle A 3 .
• first base 301 is an isosceles triangle, such that angle A 2 is substantially equal to angle A 3 .
• angles A 2 and A 3 are about 45 degrees and angle A 1 is about 90 degrees.
• prismatic elements 205 and 209 are truncated portions of prismatic elements 203 and 207. Accordingly, prismatic elements 205 and 209 have configurations that correspond to the portions of prismatic elements 203 and 207 that are common to prismatic elements 205 and 209.
• a height H of prismatic elements 203, 205, 207, and 209 is implementation specific, depending upon the ballistic threat. In one embodiment, height H is about 0.75 inches and, in another embodiment, height H is about 0.5 inches.
• prismatic elements 203, 205, 207, and 209 are merely exemplary of the many, various prismatic elements contemplated by the present invention. Other forms of prismatic elements are described herein, such as the prismatic elements of the embodiments shown in Figures 7-16.
• Figure 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of armor 101 shown in Figure 1 , taken along the line 6-6 in Figure 1.
• core 103 is disposed between strike face sheet 105 and rear face sheet 201.
• viscoelastic layer 211 is disposed between core 103 and strike face sheet 105 and viscoelastic layer 213 is disposed between core 103 and rear face sheet 201.
• Core 103 comprises first layer 107 of prismatic elements 203 and 205 and second layer 109 of prismatic elements 207 and 209.
• strain isolation layer 601 is disposed between first layer 107 and second layer 109.
• Strain isolation layer 601 impedes shock waves and the like from being propagated from first layer 107 to second layer 109. Rather than transmitting such shock waves to second layer 109, strain isolation layer 601 elastically, and in some situations viscoelastically, deforms to absorb shock wave energy that would otherwise propagate into second layer 109.
• strain isolation layer 601 comprises a material such as, for example, polyurethane, polysulfide polymer, natural rubber, silicone rubber, a synthetic rubber, or the like, or a combination of such materials.
• strain isolation layer 601 in embodiments wherein one or more prismatic elements 203, 205, 207, and 209 are not opaque, i.e., exhibit some degree of transparency or translucency, it is desirable, but not required, that strain isolation layer 601 also exhibit some degree of transparency or translucency. In such embodiments, it is preferable that strain isolation layer 601 exhibit a refractive index corresponding to the material comprising the non-opaque prismatic elements 203,
• strain isolation layer 601 examples include, but are not limited to, polyurethane, acrylic, polycarbonate, epoxy, and the like.
• viscoelastic layer 211 , viscoelastic layer 213, and/or strain isolation layer 601 adhesively bond adjacent members.
• viscoelastic layer 211 adhesively bonds strike face sheet 105 to layer 107 of prismatic elements 203 and 205.
• Strain isolation layer 601 in some embodiments, adhesively bonds layer 107 of prismatic elements 203 and 205 to layer 109 of prismatic elements 207 and 209.
• adjacent members are adhesively bonded to one another via a separate bonding agent. In other embodiments, adjacent members are not adhesively bonded to one another.
• the prismatic elements making up a layer of prismatic elements are configured in a tessellated fashion.
• prismatic elements 203 and 205 (shown in Figure 2) of layer 107 (shown in Figure 1 ) and prismatic elements 207 and 209 (shown in Figure 2) of layer 109 (shown in Figure 1 ) are configured in a tessellated fashion.
• the term "tessellated” means the prismatic elements are arranged such that no significant gap exists between prismatic elements within a layer and no adjacent prismatic elements within a layer overlap one another.
• the projected surface area of armor 101 is completely covered with no significant gaps by prismatic elements and there is no direct gap between prismatic elements through the thickness of core 103.
• a "significant gap,” as recited herein, is deemed to be a gap greater than that resulting from manufacturing tolerances.
• FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of a second illustrative embodiment of an armor 701.
• the configuration of armor 701 corresponds to the configuration of armor 101 (shown in Figure 1 ) except for the configurations of prismatic elements 703, 705, 707, and 709, of which a core 711 of armor 701 is comprised.
• armor 701 comprises core 711 disposed between a strike face sheet 713 and a rear face sheet 715.
• strike face sheet 713 comprises a material that will, to some degree, substantially impede the progress of a ballistic projectile.
• the materials discussed herein as being suitable or preferred for strike face sheet 105 (shown in at least Figures 1 and 2) are also suitable or preferred for strike face sheet 713.
• rear face sheet 715 comprises a material that significantly reduces the velocity of spall (e.g., projectile fragments, fragments of armor 701 , or the like) exiting armor 701. More preferably, rear face sheet 715 comprises a material that will substantially prevent such spall from exiting armor 701.
• the materials discussed herein as being preferred for rear face sheet 201 are also preferred for rear face sheet 715. It should be noted, however, that the particular compositions of strike face sheet 713 and rear face sheet 715 are implementation specific. Accordingly, other materials for strike face sheets, such as strike face sheet 713, and for rear face sheets, such as rear face sheet 715, are contemplated by the present invention.
• Core 711 comprises a plurality of layers 717 and 719 of tessellated, prismatic elements 703, 705, 707, and 709.
• Prismatic elements 703, 705, 707, and 709 may comprise various different materials, even with in the same armor 701.
• the materials disclosed herein as being suitable for prismatic elements 203, 205, 207, and 209 are also suitable for prismatic elements 703, 705, 707, and 709.
• Prismatic elements 703 and 705 make up layer 717, while prismatic elements 707 and 709 make up layer 719.
• Layers 717 and 719 are separated by a strain isolation layer 1101 , shown in Figure 11 and described in greater detail herein.
• armor 701 comprises a first viscoelastic layer 721 , disposed between core 711 and strike face sheet 713, and/or a second viscoelastic layer 723, disposed between core 711 and rear face sheet 715.
• viscoelastic layers 721 and 723 are omitted from armor 701.
• the materials discussed herein as being suitable or preferred for viscoelastic layers 211 and 213 are also suitable or preferred for viscoelastic layers 721 and 723.
• Figure 8 depicts an illustrative embodiment of prismatic elements 703 and 707.
• prismatic elements 703 and 707 include a first base 801 , a second base 803, and a plurality of faces 805, 807, 809, 811 , and 813 extending therebetween.
• First base 801 and second base 803, as well as other such corresponding bases, are closed, planar figures bounded by substantially straight and/or curved edges.
• first base 801 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 815, 817, 819, 821 , and 823
• Second base 803 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 825, 827, 829, 831 , and 833.
• Figure 9 depicts an illustrative embodiment of prismatic elements 705 and
• Prismatic elements 705 and 709 are truncated portions of prismatic elements 703 and 707.
• prismatic elements 705 and 709 take on the form of substantially half of prismatic elements 703 and 707, although other configurations are contemplated by the present invention.
• the omitted portion of prismatic element 703 or 707 is shown in phantom in Figure 9.
• prismatic elements 705 and 709 include a first base 901 , a second base 903, and a plurality of faces 905, 907, 909, and 911 extending therebetween.
• First base 901 and second base 903 are closed, planar figures bounded by substantially straight and/or curved edges.
• first base 901 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 913, 915, 917, and 919.
• Second base 903 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 921 , 923, 925, and 927.
• first base 801 of prismatic elements 203 and 207, as well as second base 803, is generally triangular with clipped or truncated corners in the illustrated embodiment. Edges 817 and 819 define an angle B 1 , edges 817 and 823 define an angle B 2 , and edges 819 and 823 define an angle S 3 .
• first base 801 , as well as second base 803, is an isosceles triangle, such that angle B 2 is substantially equal to angle S 3 . In one particular embodiment, angles B 2 and S 3 are about 45 degrees and angle B 1 is about 90 degrees.
• prismatic elements 705 and 709 are truncated portions of prismatic elements 703 and 707. Accordingly, prismatic elements 705 and 709 have configurations that correspond to the portions of prismatic elements 703 and 707 that are common to prismatic elements 705 and 709.
• Figure 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of armor 701 shown in Figure 7, taken along the line 11 -11 in Figure 7.
• core 711 is disposed between strike face sheet 713 and rear face sheet 715.
• viscoelastic layer 721 is disposed between core 711 and strike face sheet 713 and viscoelastic layer 723 is disposed between core 711 and rear face sheet 715.
• Core 711 comprises first layer 717 of prismatic elements 703 and 705 and second layer 719 of prismatic elements 707 and 709.
• strain isolation layer 1 101 is disposed between first layer
• Strain isolation layer 1101 impedes shock waves and the like from being propagated from first layer 717 to second layer 719. Rather than transmitting such shock waves to second layer 719, strain isolation layer 1101 elastically, and in some situations viscoelastically, deforms to absorb shock wave energy that would otherwise propagate into second layer 719. Strain isolation layer
• strain isolation layer 601 may comprise, for example, any of the materials deemed suitable for strain isolation layer 601 , shown in Figure 6.
• viscoelastic layer 721 , viscoelastic layer 723, and/or strain isolation layer 1101 adhesively bond adjacent members.
• viscoelastic layer 721 may adhesively bond strike face sheet 713 to layer 717 of prismatic elements 703 and 705.
• Viscoelastic layer 723 may, in some embodiments, adhesively bond rear face sheet 715 to layer 719 of prismatic elements 707 and 709.
• Strain isolation layer 1101 may adhesively bond layer 717 of prismatic elements 703 and 705 to layer 719 of prismatic elements 707 and 709. In other embodiments, however, adjacent members may be adhesively bonded to one another via a separate bonding agent. In other embodiments, adjacent members may not be adhesively bonded to one another.
• the prismatic elements making up a layer of prismatic elements are configured in a tessellated fashion.
• prismatic elements 703 and 705 (shown in Figure 7) of layer 717 (shown in Figure 7) and prismatic elements 707 and 709 (shown in Figure 7) of layer 719 (shown in Figure 7) are configured in a tessellated fashion.
• FIG 12 depicts an exploded view of a third illustrative embodiment of an armor 1201.
• the configuration of armor 1201 corresponds to the configuration of armor 101 (shown in Figure 1 ) except for the configurations of prismatic elements 1203, 1205, 1207, and 1209, of which a core 1211 of armor 1201 is comprised.
• armor 1201 comprises core 1211 disposed between a strike face sheet 1213 and a rear face sheet 1215.
• strike face sheet 1213 comprises a material that will, to some degree, substantially impede the progress of a ballistic projectile.
• the materials discussed herein as being suitable or preferred for strike face sheet 105 (shown in at least Figures 1 and 2) are also suitable or preferred for strike face sheet 1213.
• rear face sheet 1215 comprises a material that significantly reduces the velocity of spall (e.g., projectile fragments, fragments of armor 1201 , or the like) exiting armor 1201. More preferably, rear face sheet 1215 comprises a material that will substantially prevent such spall from exiting armor 1201.
• the materials discussed herein as being preferred for rear face sheet 201 are also preferred for rear face sheet 1215. It should be noted, however, that the particular compositions of strike face sheet 1213 and rear face sheet 1215 are implementation specific. Accordingly, other materials for strike face sheets, such as strike face sheet 1213, and for rear face sheets, such as rear face sheet 1215, are contemplated by the present invention.
• Core 1211 comprises a plurality of layers 1217 and 1219 of tessellated, prismatic elements 1203, 1205, 1207, and 1209.
• Prismatic elements 1203, 1205, 1207, and 1209 may comprise various different materials, even with in the same armor 1201.
• the materials disclosed herein as being suitable for prismatic elements 203, 205, 207, and 209 are also suitable for prismatic elements 1203, 1205, 1207, and 1209.
• Prismatic elements 1203 and 1205 make up layer 1217, while prismatic elements 1207 and 1209 make up layer 1219.
• Layers 1217 and 1219 are separated by a strain isolation layer 1601 , shown in Figure 16 and described in greater detail herein.
• armor 1201 comprises a first viscoelastic layer 1221 , disposed between core 1211 and strike face sheet 1213, and/or a second viscoelastic layer 1223, disposed between core 1211 and rear face sheet 1215.
• viscoelastic layers 1221 and 1223 are omitted from armor 1201.
• the materials discussed herein as being suitable or preferred for viscoelastic layers 211 and 213, shown in at least Figure 2, are also suitable or preferred for viscoelastic layers 1221 and 1223.
• Figure 13 depicts an illustrative embodiment of prismatic elements 1203 and 1207.
• prismatic elements 1203 and 1207 include a first base 1301 , a second base 1303, and a plurality of faces 1305, 1307, 1309, 1311 , and 1313 extending therebetween.
• First base 1301 and second base 1303, as well as other such corresponding bases, are closed, planar figures bounded by substantially straight and/or curved edges.
• first base 1301 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 1315, 1321 , and 1323 and bounded by curved edges 1317 and 1319.
• Second base 1303 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 1325, 1331 , and 1333 and bounded by curved edges 1327 and 1329. It should be noted, however, that prismatic element 1203 may have a configuration that omit edges 1315 and 1321 , such that edges 1317 and 1319 extend to edge 1323. Prismatic element 1207 may also have such a configuration.
• Figure 14 depicts an illustrative embodiment of prismatic elements 1205 and 1209.
• Prismatic elements 1205 and 1209 are truncated portions of prismatic elements 1203 and 1207.
• prismatic elements 1205 and 1209 take on the form of substantially half of prismatic elements 1203 and 1207, although other configurations are contemplated by the present invention. It should be noted that the omitted portion of prismatic element 1203 or 1207 is shown in phantom in Figure 14.
• prismatic elements 1205 and 1209 include a first base 1401 , a second base 1403, and a plurality of faces 1405, 1407, 1409, and 1411 extending therebetween.
• First base 1401 and second base 1403 are closed, planar figures bounded by substantially straight and/or curved edges.
• first base 1401 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 1413, 1417, and 1419 and bounded by a curved edge 1415.
• Second base 1403 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 1421 , 1425, and 1427 and bounded by a curved edge 1423.
• first base 1301 of prismatic elements 1203 and 1207 corresponds to first base 801 and second base 803 of prismatic elements 703 and 707 (shown in Figure 8) except that edges 1317 and 1319 are curved rather than being substantially straight and faces 1305 and 1313 (shown in Figure 13) are not planar.
• a corresponding outline for first base 801 is shown in phantom in Figure 15.
• Edges 1317 and 1319, and thus faces 1305 and 1313, are convex in nature, exhibiting a radius R.
• prismatic elements 1205 and 1209 are truncated portions of prismatic elements 1203 and 1207. Accordingly, prismatic elements 1205 and 1209 have configurations that correspond to the portions of prismatic elements 1203 and 1207 that are common to prismatic elements 1205 and 1209.
• Figure 16 depicts a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of armor 1201 shown in Figure 12, taken along the line 16-16 in Figure 12.
• core 1211 is disposed between strike face sheet 1213 and rear face sheet 1215.
• viscoelastic layer 1221 is disposed between core 1211 and strike face sheet 1213 and viscoelastic layer 1223 is disposed between core 1211 and rear face sheet 1215.
• Core 1211 comprises first layer 1217 of prismatic elements 1203 and 1205 and second layer 1219 of prismatic elements 1207 and 1209.
• strain isolation layer 1601 is disposed between first layer 1217 and second layer 1219.
• Strain isolation layer 1601 impedes shock waves and the like from being propagated from first layer 1217 to second layer 1219. Rather than transmitting such shock waves to second layer 1219, strain isolation layer 1601 elastically, and in some situations viscoelastically, deforms to absorb shock wave energy that would otherwise propagate into second layer 1219. Strain isolation layer 1601 may comprise, for example, any of the materials deemed suitable for strain isolation layer 601 , shown in Figure 6. In certain embodiments, viscoelastic layer 1221 , viscoelastic layer 1223, and/or strain isolation layer 1601 adhesively bond adjacent members. For example, viscoelastic layer 1221 may adhesively bond strike face sheet 1213 to layer 1217 of prismatic elements 1203 and 1205.
• Viscoelastic layer 1223 may, in some embodiments, adhesively bond rear face sheet 1215 to layer 1219 of prismatic elements 1207 and 1209.
• Strain isolation layer 1601 may adhesively bond layer 1217 of prismatic elements 1203 and 1205 to layer 1219 of prismatic elements 1207 and 1209.
• adjacent members may be adhesively bonded to one another via a separate bonding agent. In other embodiments, adjacent members may not be adhesively bonded to one another.
• the prismatic elements making up a layer of prismatic elements are configured in a tessellated fashion.
• prismatic elements such as prismatic elements 1701 and 1703, may define a longitudinal passageway or cavity, such as passageway 1705 in Figure 17A and cavities 1707 and 1709 in Figure 17B, disposed, for example, at a centroid of the prismatic element.
• Such passageways and cavities are often desirable to decrease the weight of the prismatic elements and may extend into but not through the prismatic element, as shown in Figure 17B, or entirely through the prismatic element, as shown in Figure 17A.
• an explosive material such as the materials described herein concerning Figure 28, can be disposed in any of such passageways or cavities, such as passageway 1705 and cavities 1707, and 1709.
• Figure 17C depicts one such implennentation, in which an explosive material 1711 is disposed in cavity 1707.
• Such configurations are particularly useful in protecting against shaped charge jets and explosively-formed projectiles, as explosive material 1711 detonates via a shock wave generated by the shaped charge jet or explosively-formed projectile. The detonation provides sufficient mass and energy to disrupt the jet or projectile, thus impeding penetration.
• FIG 18 depicts an exploded view of a fourth illustrated embodiment of an armor 1801.
• the configuration of armor 1801 corresponds to the configuration of armor 101 (shown in Figure 1 ) except for the configurations of prismatic elements 1803, 1805, 1807, and 1809, of which a core 1811 of armor 1801 is comprised.
• armor 1801 comprises core 1811 disposed between a strike face sheet 1813 and a rear face sheet 1815.
• strike face sheet 1813 comprises a material that will, to some degree, substantially impede the progress of a ballistic projectile.
• the materials discussed herein as being suitable or preferred for strike face sheet 105 (shown in at least Figures 1 and 2) are also suitable or preferred for strike face sheet 1813.
• rear face sheet 1815 comprises a material that significantly reduces the velocity of spall ⁇ e.g., projectile fragments, fragments of armor 1801 , or the like) exiting armor 1801. More preferably, rear face sheet 1815 comprises a material that will substantially prevent such spall from exiting armor 1801.
• the materials discussed herein as being preferred for rear face sheet 201 are also preferred for rear face sheet 1815. It should be noted, however, that the particular compositions of strike face sheet 1813 and rear face sheet 1815 are implementation specific. Accordingly, other materials for strike face sheets, such as strike face sheet 1813, and for rear face sheets, such as rear face sheet 1815, are contemplated by the present invention.
• Core 1811 comprises a plurality of layers 1817 and 1819 of tessellated, prismatic elements 1803, 1805, 1807, and 1809. Prismatic elements 1803, 1805,
• 1807, and 1809 may comprise various different materials, even with in the same armor 1801.
• the materials disclosed herein as being suitable for prismatic elements are particularly suitable for prismatic elements
• armor 1801 comprises a first viscoelastic layer 1821 , disposed between core 1811 and strike face sheet 1813, and/or a second viscoelastic layer 1823, disposed between core 1811 and rear face sheet 1815.
• viscoelastic layers 1821 and 1823 are omitted from armor 1801.
• the materials discussed herein as being suitable or preferred for viscoelastic layers 211 and 213, shown in at least Figure 2, are also suitable or preferred for viscoelastic layers 1821 and 1823.
• Figure 19 depicts an illustrative embodiment of prismatic elements 1803 and 1807.
• prismatic elements 1803 and 1807 include a first base 1901 , a second base 1903, and a plurality of faces 1905, 1907, 1909, 1911 , and 1913 extending therebetween.
• First base 1901 and second base 1903, as well as other such corresponding bases, are closed, planar figures bounded by substantially straight and/or curved edges.
• first base 1901 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 1915, 1917, 1919, and 1921 and bounded by a curved edge 1923.
• Second base 1903 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 1925, 1927, 1929, and 1931 and bounded by a curved edge 1933. It should be noted, however, that prismatic element 1803 may have a configuration that omit edges 1915 and 1921 , such that edges 1917 and 1919 extend to edge 1923. Prismatic element 1807 may also have such a configuration.
• Figure 20 depicts an illustrative embodiment of prismatic elements 1805 and 1809.
• Prismatic elements 1805 and 1809 are truncated portions of prismatic elements 1803 and 1807.
• prismatic elements 1805 and 1809 take on the form of substantially half of prismatic elements 1803 and 1807, although other configurations are contemplated by the present invention. It should be noted that the omitted portion of prismatic element 1803 or 1807 is shown in phantom in Figure 20. In the illustrated embodiment, prismatic elements 1805 and
• First base 2001 and second base 2003 are closed, planar figures bounded by substantially straight and/or curved edges.
• first base 2001 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 2013, 2015, and 2017 and bounded by a curved edge 2019.
• Second base 2003 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 2021 , 2023, and 2025 and bounded by a curved edge 2027.
• first base 1901 of prismatic elements 1803 and 1807, as well as second base 1903 thereof, corresponds to first base 801 and second base 803 of prismatic elements 703 and 707 (shown in Figure 8) except that edge 1923 is curved rather than being substantially straight and face 1909 (shown in Figure 19) is not planar.
• edge 1923 is curved rather than being substantially straight and face 1909 (shown in Figure 19) is not planar.
• a corresponding outline for first base 801 is shown in phantom in Figure 21.
• Edge 1923, and thus face 1909, are convex in nature, exhibiting a radius R.
• prismatic elements 1805 and 1809 are truncated portions of prismatic elements 1803 and 1807. Accordingly, prismatic elements 1805 and 1809 have configurations that correspond to the portions of prismatic elements 1803 and 1807 that are common to prismatic elements 1805 and 1809.
• Figure 22 depicts a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of armor 1801 shown in Figure 18, taken along the line 22-16 in Figure 18.
• core 1811 is disposed between strike face sheet 1813 and rear face sheet 1815.
• viscoelastic layer 1821 is disposed between core 1811 and strike face sheet 1813 and viscoelastic layer 1823 is disposed between core 1811 and rear face sheet 1815.
• Core 1811 comprises first layer 1817 of prismatic elements 1803 and 1805 and second layer 1819 of prismatic elements 1807 and 1809.
• strain isolation layer 2201 is disposed between first layer 1817 and second layer 1819.
• Strain isolation layer 2201 impedes shock waves and the like from being propagated from first layer 1817 to second layer 1819. Rather than transmitting such shock waves to second layer 1819, strain isolation layer 2201 elastically, and in some situations viscoelastically, deforms to absorb shock wave energy that would otherwise propagate into second layer 1819. Strain isolation layer 2201 may comprise, for example, any of the materials deemed suitable for strain isolation layer 601 , shown in Figure 6.
• viscoelastic layer 1821 , viscoelastic layer 1823, and/or strain isolation layer 2201 adhesively bond adjacent members.
• viscoelastic layer 1821 may adhesively bond strike face sheet 1813 to layer 1817 of prismatic elements 1803 and 1805.
• Viscoelastic layer 1823 may, in some embodiments, adhesively bond rear face sheet 1815 to layer 1819 of prismatic elements 1807 and 1809.
• Strain isolation layer 2201 in some embodiments, may adhesively bond layer 1817 of prismatic elements 1803 and 1805 to layer 1819 of prismatic elements 1807 and 1809.
• adjacent members may be adhesively bonded to one another via a separate bonding agent. In other embodiments, adjacent members may not be adhesively bonded to one another.
• the prismatic elements making up a layer of prismatic elements are configured in a tessellated fashion.
• Figure 18 are configured in a tessellated fashion.
• FIG 23 depicts an exploded view of a fifth illustrated embodiment of an armor 2301.
• the configuration of armor 2301 corresponds to the configuration of armor 101 (shown in Figure 1 ) except for the configurations of prismatic elements
• armor 2301 comprises core 2311 disposed between a strike face sheet 2313 and a rear face sheet 2315.
• strike face sheet 2313 comprises a material that will, to some degree, substantially impede the progress of a ballistic projectile.
• the materials discussed herein as being suitable or preferred for strike face sheet 105 are also suitable or preferred for strike face sheet 2313.
• rear face sheet is also suitable or preferred for strike face sheet 2313.
• rear face sheet 2315 comprises a material that significantly reduces the velocity of spall ⁇ e.g., projectile fragments, fragments of armor 2301 , or the like) exiting armor 2301. More preferably, rear face sheet 2315 comprises a material that will substantially prevent such spall from exiting armor 2301.
• the materials discussed herein as being preferred for rear face sheet 201 are also preferred for rear face sheet 2315. It should be noted, however, that the particular compositions of strike face sheet 2313 and rear face sheet 2315 are implementation specific. Accordingly, other materials for strike face sheets, such as strike face sheet 2313, and for rear face sheets, such as rear face sheet 2315, are contemplated by the present invention.
• Core 2311 comprises a plurality of layers 2317 and 2319 of tessellated, prismatic elements 2303, 2305, 2307, and 2309.
• Prismatic elements 2303, 2305, 2307, and 2309 may comprise various different materials, even with in the same armor 2301.
• the materials disclosed herein as being suitable for prismatic elements 203, 205, 207, and 209 are also suitable for prismatic elements 2303, 2305, 2307, and 2309.
• Prismatic elements 2303 and 2305 make up layer 2317, while prismatic elements 2307 and 2309 make up layer 2319.
• Layers 2317 and 2319 are separated by a strain isolation layer, such as strain isolation layers 601 , 1101 , 1601 , and 2201 , shown in Figures 6, 11 , 16, and 22, respectively.
• armor 2301 comprises a first viscoelastic layer 2321 , disposed between core 2311 and strike face sheet 2313, and/or a second viscoelastic layer 2323, disposed between core 2311 and rear face sheet 2315.
• viscoelastic layers 2321 and 2323 are omitted from armor 2301.
• the materials discussed herein as being suitable or preferred for viscoelastic layers 211 and 213, shown in at least Figure 2, are also suitable or preferred for viscoelastic layers 2321 and 2323.
• Figure 24 depicts an illustrative embodiment of prismatic elements 2303 and
• prismatic elements 2303 and 2307 include a first base 2401 , a second base 2403, and a plurality of faces 2405, 2407, 2409, 2411 , and 2413 extending therebetween.
• First base 2401 and second base 2403, as well as other such corresponding bases, are closed, planar figures bounded by substantially straight and/or curved edges.
• first base 2401 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 2415, 2421 , and 2423.
• First base is further bounded by substantially straight edges 2417 and 2419 that include recesses or cut-outs 2435 and 2437, respectively.
• Second base 2403 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 2425, 2431 , and 2433. Second base 2403 is further bounded by substantially straight edges 2427 and 2429 that include recesses or cut-outs 2439 and 2441 , respectively.
• a channel 2443 is defined by face 2413 and extends between recesses 2435 and 2439.
• a channel 2445 is defined by face 2405 and extends between recesses 2437 and 2441. It should be noted that channels 2443 and 2445 may be incorporated into other embodiments of the present armor.
• prismatic elements 2303 may have a configuration that omit edges 2415 and 2421 , such that edges 2417 and 2419 extend to edge 2423 and edges2425 and 2429 extend to edge 2433.
• Prismatic element 2307 may also have such a configuration.
• Figure 25 depicts an illustrative embodiment of prismatic elements 2305 and 2309.
• Prismatic elements 2305 and 2309 are truncated portions of prismatic elements 2303 and 2307.
• prismatic elements 2305 and 2309 take on the form of substantially half of prismatic elements 2303 and 2307, although other configurations are contemplated by the present invention. It should be noted that the omitted portion of prismatic element 2303 or 2307 is shown in phantom in Figure 25.
• prismatic elements 2305 and 2309 include a first base 2501 , a second base 2503, and a plurality of faces 2505, 2507, 2509, and 2511 extending therebetween.
• First base 2501 and second base 2503 are closed, planar figures bounded by substantially straight and/or curved edges.
• first base 2501 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 2513, 2517, and 2519.
• First base 2501 is further bounded by a substantially straight edge 2515 that includes a recess or cutout 2529.
• Second base 2503 is a closed, planar figure bounded by substantially straight edges 2521 , 2525, and 2527.
• Second base 2503 is further bounded by substantially straight edge 2521 that includes a recess or cut-out 2531.
• a channel 2533 is defined by face 2511 and extends between recesses 2529 and 2531.
• channel 2533 may be incorporated into other embodiments of the present armor.
• prismatic elements 2305 may have a configuration that omit edges 2513 and 2521 , such that edge 2515 extends to edge 2519 and edge 2523 extends to edge 3527.
• Prismatic element 2307 may also have such a configuration.
• Figure 26 depicts a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of armor 2301 shown in Figure 23, taken along the line 26-26 in Figure 23. As discussed herein in relation to Figure 23, core 2311 is disposed between strike face sheet 2313 and rear face sheet 2315.
• viscoelastic layer 2321 is disposed between core 2311 and strike face sheet 2313 and viscoelastic layer 2323 is disposed between core 2311 and rear face sheet 2315.
• Core 2311 comprises first layer 2317 of prismatic elements 2303 and 2305 and second layer 2319 of prismatic elements 2307 and 2309.
• a strain isolation layer such as strain isolation layers 601 , 1101 , 1601 , 2201 , or the like may be disposed between first layer 2317 and second layer 2319. Such a strain isolation layer impedes shock waves and the like from being propagated from first layer 2317 to second layer 2319.
• strain isolation layer Rather than transmitting such shock waves to second layer 2319, the strain isolation layer elastically, and in some situations viscoelastically, deforms to absorb shock wave energy that would otherwise propagate into second layer 2319.
• a strain isolation layer may comprise, for example, any of the materials deemed suitable for strain isolation layer 601 , shown in Figure 6.
• viscoelastic layer 2321 , viscoelastic layer 2323, and/or the strain isolation layer adhesively bond adjacent members.
• viscoelastic layer 2321 may adhesively bond strike face sheet 2313 to layer 2317 of prismatic elements 2303 and 2305.
• Viscoelastic layer 2323 may, in some embodiments, adhesively bond rear face sheet 2315 to layer 2319 of prismatic elements 2307 and 2309.
• a strain isolation layer if present in some embodiments, may adhesively bond layer 2317 of prismatic elements 2303 and 2305 to layer 2319 of prismatic elements 2307 and 2309.
• adjacent members may be adhesively bonded to one another via a separate bonding agent. In other embodiments, adjacent members may not be adhesively bonded to one another.
• the prismatic elements making up a layer of prismatic elements are configured in a tessellated fashion. For example, prismatic elements
• channels 2443 and 2445 of adjacent prismatic elements 2303 and 2307 form a cavity, which may remain substantially devoid of material or in which an explosive material 2601 (only one labeled in Figure 26 for clarity) may be disposed.
• Channels 2443 and 2445 may extend partway along faces 2413 and 2405, respectively, or may extend the entire lengths of faces 2413 and 2405.
• the particular explosive material 2601 employed is implementation-specific and the present invention contemplates many various explosive materials for explosive material 2601.
• Examples of materials for explosive material 2601 include, but are not limited to, any high explosive, any low-sensitivity explosive, cyclothmethylenetrinitramine (RDX), plastic-bonded explosive (PBX), cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX), and the like. Configurations employing explosive materials, such as explosive 2601 , are particularly useful in protecting against shaped charge jets and explosively-formed projectiles, as explosive material 2601 detonates via a shock wave generated by the shaped charge jet or explosively- formed projectile. The detonation provides sufficient mass and energy to disrupt the jet or projectile, thus impeding penetration.
• any high explosive any low-sensitivity explosive
• RDX cyclothmethylenetrinitramine
• PBX plastic-bonded explosive
• HMX cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine
• Configurations employing explosive materials, such as explosive 2601 are particularly useful in protecting against shaped charge jets and explosively-formed projectiles, as explosive material 2601 deton
• the heights of faces 815, 821 , 913, 1315, 1321 , 1413, 1915, 1921 , 2013, 2415, 2421 , 2513 or the like are about 20 percent of the overall heights, i.e., height H, of their corresponding prismatic elements.
• 701 , 1201 , 1801 , 2301 , or the like may be either generally planar or curved in nature, Figures 27-29 depict curved illustrative embodiments of the present armor.
• Figures 27-29 depict certain configurations of armor
• the present invention contemplates any embodiment disclosed herein, or the equivalent, as being either generally planar or curved.
• the embodiments shown in Figures 27-29 embody certain characteristics, such as the particular configuration of prismatic elements, the scope of the present invention is not so limited.
• the present armor having any configuration, such as configuration of prismatic elements may be generally planar or curved, as shown in Figures 27-29.
• Figure 27 depicts an armor 2701 that generally corresponds to armor 101 (shown in at least Figure 1 ) and that is curved in directions generally corresponding to a double-headed arrow 2703. Armor 2701 , however, is not curved or not appreciably curved in directions generally corresponding to a double-headed arrow 2705. Armor 2701 comprises a core 2707 disposed between a strike face sheet 2709 and a rear face sheet 2711. Core 2707 comprises a plurality of prismatic elements as in other embodiments disclosed herein, such as prismatic element 2713. The prismatic elements may have configurations corresponding to other embodiments disclosed herein but are configured such that armor 2701 is curved. In the illustrated embodiment, the prismatic elements are generally not curved in the directions corresponding to double-headed arrow 2705. Armor 2701 may include elements of other armor embodiments disclosed herein and their equivalents.
• Figure 28 depicts an armor 2801 that generally corresponds to armor 101 (shown in at least Figure 1 ) and this is curved in directions generally corresponding to a double headed arrow 2803. Armor 2801 , however, is not curved or not appreciably curved in directions generally corresponding to a double-headed arrow 2805. Armor 2801 comprises a core 2807 disposed between a strike face sheet 2809 and a rear face sheet 2811. Core 2807 comprises a plurality of prismatic elements as in other embodiments disclosed herein, such as prismatic element 2813. The prismatic elements may have configurations corresponding to other embodiments disclosed herein but are configured such that armor 2801 is curved. In the illustrated embodiment, the prismatic elements are generally curved in the directions corresponding to double-headed arrow 2805.
• Armor 2801 may include elements of other armor embodiments disclosed herein and their equivalents.
• Figure 29 depicts an armor 2901 that generally corresponds to armor 101 (shown in at least Figure 1 ) and this is curved in directions generally corresponding to a double headed arrow 2903 and is curved in directions generally corresponding to a double-headed arrow 2905.
• Armor 2901 comprises a core 2907 disposed between a strike face sheet 2909 and a rear face sheet 2911.
• Core 2907 comprises a plurality of prismatic elements as in other embodiments disclosed herein, such as prismatic element 2913.
• the prismatic elements may have configurations corresponding to other embodiments disclosed herein but are configured such that armor 2901 is curved as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the prismatic elements are generally curved in the directions corresponding to double- headed arrow 2905.
• Armor 2901 may include elements of other armor embodiments disclosed herein and their equivalents.
• FIG. 27-29 are shown as being curved upwardly on the drawing page, i.e., strike face sheets 2709, 2809, and 2909 are outwardly convex
• the scope of the present invention is not so limited. Rather, the present armor may be curved downwardly on the drawing page, i.e., strike face sheets being outwardly concave.
• the present armor may exhibit both concave and convex surface portions. In other words, strike face sheets may exhibit both concave and convex surface portions.
• the present invention contemplates armor having any desired, suitable geometric configuration.
• FIG. 30 depicts a cross-sectional view of a corner portion an illustrative embodiment of an armor 3001.
• Armor 3001 comprises a core 3003 disposed between a strike face sheet 3005 and a rear face sheet 3007.
• element 3007 is a strike face sheet
• element 3005 is a rear face sheet.
• Core 3003 comprises a plurality of prismatic elements as in other embodiments disclosed herein, such as prismatic element 3009.
• the prismatic elements of core 3003 may take on the form of any embodiment shown herein and their equivalents.
• the prismatic elements are configured to generally conform to the geometry of strike face sheet 3005 and rear face sheet 3007.
• core 3003 includes a strain isolation layer 3011 , corresponding to other embodiments of the strain isolation layer disclosed herein. Core 3003 may also omit strain isolation layer 3011. Core 3003, strike face sheet 3005, and rear face sheet 3007 are configured to form a corner 3013 in the illustrated embodiment. While armor 3001 is depicted as including a generally 90 degree corner 3013, the present invention contemplates embodiments of armor exhibiting other angular and geometric configurations.
• any embodiment of a prismatic element disclosed herein, and their equivalents, may include a metallic layer formed on an exterior surface of the prismatic element.
• the metallic layer may comprise, for example, copper, a copper alloy, tin, a tin alloy, lead, a lead alloy, gold, a gold alloy, tungsten, a tungsten alloy, silver, a silver alloy, or the like.
• the metallic layer may be formed by any suitable means, such as by plating, flame spraying, arc spraying, physical vapor deposition, an organometallic sol gel process, or the like.
• Figures 31 -33 depict an example of one such embodiment.
• Figure 31 is a perspective view of a prismatic element 3101 , which may be incorporated in any embodiment of armor disclosed herein.
• Figure 32 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along the line 32-32 in Figure 31 , depicting an elevational, transverse, cross-sectional view of prismatic element 3101.
• Figure 33 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along the line 33-33 in Figure 31 , depicting an elevational, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of prismatic element 3101.
• prismatic element 3101 comprises a prismatic substrate 3201 on which a metallic layer 3203 is disposed. It should be noted that, while prismatic substrate 3201 is shown in Figures 31 -33 as having a particular configuration, the scope of the present invention is not so limited.
• prismatic substrate 3201 may, for example, exhibit a configuration corresponding to any embodiment of a prismatic element disclosed herein or its equivalent.
• Prismatic substrate 3201 may comprise a material corresponding to any material suitable for a prismatic element that omits metallic layer, such as those materials disclosed herein. While the present invention contemplates many various thicknesses for metallic layer 3203, metallic layer 3203 exhibits a thickness 7 within a range of about 0.001 inches to about 0.15 inches.
• Metallic layer 3203 in certain implennentations, improves the shock attenuation properties of prismatic element 3101 over prismatic elements that omit metallic layer 3203.
• the present invention provides significant advantages, including: (1 ) providing an armor capable of withstanding multiple strikes from ballistic projectiles in a small area; (2) providing an armor that has a lower areal weight than conventional armors;

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