US3636895A

US3636895A - Armor structure

Info

Publication number: US3636895A
Application number: US859395A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ronald A Kelsey
Original assignee: Aluminum Company of America
Current assignee: Howmet Aerospace Inc
Priority date: 1969-09-19
Filing date: 1969-09-19
Publication date: 1972-01-25
Anticipated expiration: 1989-01-25

Abstract

A substantially rigid armor wall element having an impact surface provided with alternate peaks and valleys. The peaks are generally parallel to each other and taper outwardly in a first transverse direction. The valleys are generally parallel to each other and open in a first transverse direction. Reinforcing means for resisting projectile penetration of the armor element by providing improved resistance at the peaks and valleys. The reinforcing means may be integrally formed or independent elements secured to the wall element. The peaks and valleys preferably include an angle of about 40* to 100*. A wall structure formed from these armor elements by joinder, as by welding, at the abutting marginal edges of complementary configuration.

Description

United States Patent Kelsey 1 Jan. 25, 1972 [54] ARMOR STRUCTURE FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [72] Inventor; Ronald Kelsey, New Kensingtpn, p 522,935 12/1929 Germany 109/80 1,041,126 5/1953 France ..89/36 A [73] Asslgnee: Aluminum Company of America, Pitt- Sburgh- Primary Examiner Reinaldo P. Machado v Sept 9 Attorney-Arnold Silverman Appl. No.: 859,395

US. Cl ..109/78, 109/495, 89/36 [5 7] ABSTRACT A substantially rigid armor wall element having an impact surface provided with alternate peaks and valleys. The peaks are generally parallel to each otherand taper outwardly in a first transverse direction. The valleys are generally parallel to each other and open in a first transversedirection. Reinforcing means for resisting projectile penetration of the armor element by providing improved resistance at the peaks and valleys. The reinforcing means may be integrally formed or independent elements secured to the wall element. The peaks and valleys preferably include an angle of about 40 to 100. A wall structure formed from these armor elements by joinder, as by welding, at the abutting marginal edges of complementary configuration.

8 Claims, in Drawing Figures PATENTEU M25 2372 SHEET 1 BF 2 I I mus/woe RONALD A. KELSEY ARMOR STRUCTURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 2. Description of the Prior Art It has been known that maximum penetration of bullets or other projectiles through a wall structure is obtained where the path of travel of the bullet or projectile is substantially perpendicular to the wall surface. It has been known to place single armor plates which are substantially planar in nature at an angle with respect to the expected direction of projectile impingement. This facilitates projectile deflection as a result of the angular incidence and the increased thickness of material through which the projectile must pass. Various approaches to practical utilization of this principle in protection against splatter of projectile fragments are shown in US. Pat. No. 2,406,047. One of the difficulties encountered in employing this principle is the substantial amount of increased space which is occupied by an armor plate being moved from a substantially vertical position to an inclined position. This space problem becomes particularly acute in connection with armored vehicles, where space limitations are generally severe.

It has been suggested that a shield for deflection of bullets might be made by employing two panels of relatively light gauge sheet metal secured together at an included angle of less than 180, with appropriate backing plates and site openings being provided. See US. Pat. No. 1,438,139. Sheet metal of light gauge is generally not considered appropriate for armor to be employed against modern weaponry. The problems encountered with respect to modern armor-piercing bullets such as the steel core variety are substantially greater than those encountered with the older soft bullets made from materials such as lead. The former type tend to maintain their structural integrity upon impact, while the latter 'tend to deform and reduce the tendency to penetrate. In addition, one difliculty with simple corrugated sheet is the presenceof sectors of substantially impaired projectile penetration resisting properties. While projectiles impinging upon any of the sloping surfaces of a corrugated annor element might well be deflected, if the material were of suitable thickness, there remains the substantial problem of the absence of any meaningful protection in the innermost and outennost extremes of thecorrugated structure, i.e., the lands and grooves. A projectile impinging upon either of these two locations will not necessarily be met by a surface of increased resistance and, therefore, will tend to penetrate the armor structure. I

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above-enumerated problems have been solved by the armor structure of the present invention. The armor element of this invention provides an impact surface which has alternate peaks and valleys and reinforcing means to strengthen the same. Specifically configurated and positioned reinforcing means resist projectile penetration of the armor element. More specifically, improved resistance to penetration at the peaks and valleys is obtained. This results in a structure which provides the benefit of improved projectile deflection through impingement upon an inclined surface with respect to the line of projectile travel. In addition, the invention provides improved resistance to penetration of the armor by the projectile at the peaks and valleys on the annor impact surface.

The reinforcing-means of this invention may be integrally formed with the armor wall element or may be separate ele ments of similar or dissimilar material with respect to the remainder of the armor wall element. With respect to protection of valleys, the reinforcing means may be integrally fonned ribs which originate within the innermost portion of the valley and extend outwardly therefrom but terminate inwardly of the .on'the rear side of the valley peak portions. The rib might be provided with an integrally formed or separately formed outwardly tapered edge in order to provide angular surfaces for projectile deflection. Alternatively, a generally V-shaped insert of an exceptionally strong material might be positioned within the innermost portion of the valley. In another form, an integrally formed rib originates and extends outwardly away therefrom. I

With respect to peak reinforcement, a projecting leg having one surface substantially c'oplan'ar with a peak defining wall extending in an outward direction may be provided. Alternatively, a material insert composed of an exceptionally strong material may be provided within the outermost or innermost portions of the peak.

The armor wall element of this invention may conveniently be formed of a suitable metal material such as aluminum and is so designed as to pennit economic manufacture, as by extrusion. A wall structure may be formed from a number of wall elements by joining the elements at their marginal edges which preferably are provided with complementary configurations. .loinder of adjacent armor elements is preferably effected by 'welding, but may be accomplished by other means such as by mechanical fasteners.

It is an object of this invention to provide an armor wall element which is adapted to resist penetration of armor-piercing bullets and other firearm projectiles.

It is another object of this invention to provide an armor wall element which presents maximum projectile deflection as a result of impingement of the projectile upon an angularly disposed-surface coupled with specifically configurated reinforcing means, longitudinally coextensive with said armor wall element, which means provide maximum protection 1 to the weaker portions of the armor wall structures.

It is another object of this invention to provide an armor wall element designed with complementary marginal edges in order to facilitate maximum ease of joinder of a plurality of elements in order to establish an armor wall structure which, in addition to effectively resisting armor penetration, will function as a structural load bearing element.

It is another object of this invention to provide a lightweight armor wall structure which yields maximum armor-piercing projectile penetration resistance within a minimum volume of space, while providing for economical manufacture.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will be more fully understood from the following description of this invention on reference to the illustrations appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a type of armor wall element contemplated by this invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional representation of the wall element of FIG. 1 taken through 2-2.

FIG. 3 illustrates a modified form of the invention showing joinder of the wall elements to other wall elements in order to form an armor wall structure.

FIGS. 4 through 6 illustrate several forms of integral reinforcing means contemplated by this invention.

FIGS. 7 through 11 illustrate several forms of reinforcing means employing a separate insert member contemplated by this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As used herein, the term projectile" shall be employed to refer to bullets, steel core bullets, tungsten carbide bullets, pellets and other airborne elements which modem annor must successfully prevent penetration therethrough, as well as portions of such airborne articles.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, it is seen that an elongated annor wall elementZ is provided with an impact wall surface 4 and a rearor shielded wall surface 6. In the fonn shown, the wall ele ment 2 has been manufactured as a unit and is composed of a metal such as aluminum. In one preferred form of the invention, the wall element is made entirely of aluminum and in sufficient load bearing capacity and thickness (preferably about one-half to 2 inches thick) to provide the desired structural support and protection against penetration. In another preferred fonn high-strength inserts made from suitable materials such as high-hardness steels, for example, may be provided. When the structure is to be made of a single metal as a unit, it may be preferably and economically manufactured by the extrusion process. While the armor wall element 2 will frequently conveniently be rectangular, and elongated, use of the term elongated" herein shall also refer to square armor wall elements 2.

Referring once again to FIGS. 1 and 2, it is seen that the impact wall surface is irregularly configurated and provides a plurality of alternate peaks 8 and valleys or grooves disposed generally parallel to the ground (not shown). Similarly, in the form shown in these figures, the rear wall 6 is provided with alternate peaks and valleys. Surface elements l4, l6 define peaks 8 and are preferably substantially flat. Surface elements l4, 16 have an included angle A which may be about 40 to 100 (preferably 50 to 90). The preferred angle of inclusion provides for maximum projectile deflection. Surface elements 16 also cooperate to define valley 10 which preferably has an included angle B which is about 50 to 90. The direction of bullet impingement is shown in FIG. 2 by an arrow. Thus, it will be appreciated that a projectile impinging upon'the surface elements l4, 16 will be impinging at the angle of between about to 45.

In the structure shown in FIG. 2 the element terminates in

opposed flanges

20, 22 which are provided with substantially flat terminal surfaces 24, 26, respectively. This complementary configuration at the marginal edges of wall element 2 facilitates ready engagement of adjacent panels in face-to-face contact for joinder through welding or other means.

The form of armor wall element 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided with integrally formed reinforcing ribs 30. The ribs in the form illustrated have a solid transverse cross section. This increases the mass for penetration resistance purposes. One rib 30 isprovided within valley l0 and the other two originate on the forward faces 32, 34 of

flanges

20, 22, respectively. The ribs 30 are substantially parallel to each other and are preferably continuous and longitudinally coextensive with the armor wall element 2. They extend transversely outwardly generally along a line of expected projectile travel but in opposed direction to the direction of projectile travel. For convenience of reference herein, this direction of transverse rib extension will be referred to as the first transverse direction. The reverse or opposite transverse direction, which is l80 out of phase with the first transverse direction, will be referred to as the second transverse direction." The ribs 30 extend outwardly in the first transverse direction a distance less than the outward extremity of peaks 8. In the form shown the terminal free ends of ribs 30 have two substantially flat surfaces defining outwardly tapered ends 36 which preferably have included angles of about 40 to 65. Thus, any projectile impinging upon this tapered end will impinge upon an angularly positioned surface and will tend to be deflected or shattered.

It is noted that the valley 10 shown in FIG. 2 has a generally V-shaped configuration. The valley 40 established through joinder of wall element 2 and wall element 2a, however, has a generally U-shaped configuration and is provided with two ribs 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, other forms of integral reinforcing means are shown. In FIG. 5, the valley 42 is provided with an integrally formed rib 44 of generally rectangular crosssectional configuration. This rib extends outwardly in the first transverse direction a distance less than the outennost extremity of the adjacent peaks (not shown). In the form shown in FIG. 6, an enlarged integrally formed rib 50 originates on the rear surface 6 of the wall element 2 and extends transversely outwardly in the second transverse direction. This rib 50 which is preferably longitudinally coextensive with the armor wall element 2 has at least one portion of a thickness T greater than the thickness T of the adjacent portions of wall element 2.

Ribs

30, 44 serve as positive projectile deflecting elements in addition to increasing the armor element mass, while rib 50 serves more as a local strengthening member which provides greater strength to the armor wall element 2 in the region of the valley by increasing the armor element mass.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, these figures illustrate reinforcing means which are at least partially formed as separate articles and then secured to the wall element by suitable means such as adhesives or fasteners (not shown). These independent reinforcing means may preferably be made from a different material which possesses greater projectile penetration resistance. For example, it might be desirable to select a lightweight material such as aluminum for the major portions of the wall element 2 and a different material, such as a high-hardness steel, for the reinforcing means. The light weight of the aluminum is of particular benefit with respect to armored vehicles and would permit greater vehicle loads than are permitted with a heavier material.

In FIG. 7 it is seen that an integrally formed rib 54 has a tapered insert 56 continuously secured to its outer or free end by an adhesive or fastener (not shown), in order to provide improved resistance to projectile penetration. In the form shown in FIG. 8, a generally V-shaped separate element 58 has been secured within valley 60. In the form shown it has been positioned within a generally V-shaped recess within the valley defining wall. This provides for a uniform valley surface. In FIG. 9 a rodlike element 62 is positioned within the innerrnost portion of the valley in a longitudinally oriented position with respect to the armor wall element. These forms provide for economical use of materials and custom design for maximum projectile penetration resistance through both material selection and geometric configuration.

Considering now the matter of reinforcement of peaks, reference is made to FIG. 3. In this embodiment, a wall structure has been established through joinder of wall elements'2a, 2b and 2c at abutting complementary marginal edges through welds 68. It is noted that a major portion of the weld is not exposed on the impact surface. In similar fashion, the ends of wall elements 2a and may be secured to adjacent wall elements (not shown). It is seen in this wall structure that the peaks 70 are generally parallel with respect to each other and the valleys 72 are generally parallel with respect to each other. The peaks are provided with integrally formed reinforcing extensions 74. It is seen that these reinforcing extensions 74 are directed angularly outwardly generally in the first transverse direction and terminate in an inclined surface 76. In the form shown, surface 78 of reinforcing portions 74 is substantially flat and generally coplanar with peak defining surface 80.

An alternate form of integrally formed peak reinforcement is shown in FIG. 4. As is seen in this figure, the generally V- shaped configuration provided by rear wall surfaces 84, 86 (FIG. 3) has been modified by the addition of reinforcing sector 88 (FIG. 4) which provides additional metal to resist projectile penetration and converts the rear surface of valley 90 to a generally U-shaped configuration. This increase in material thickness provides improved projectile penetration resistance without alteration of peak geometry.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, peak reinforcement through the use of separate elements joined to the armor wall element are shown. In FIG. 10 the reinforcement element 92 has a generally triangular transverse cross-sectional configuration which tapers outwardly in the first transverse direction. The wall surfaces 92a, 92b are substantially coplanar with peak defining

surfaces

94, 96, respectively. This embodiment, therefore, effects increased penetration resistance through selection of the material, without alteration of the geometric configuration. Reinforcing element is similar to reinforcement element 92, but is of generally V-shaped cross-sectional configuration.

regions may be provided with effective resistance to projectile penetration. if desired, on the basis of other needs of a particular installation, economic considerations, or other reasons,

the reinforcing means may be provided solely on the peaks, solely on the valleys or on only some of the peaks and valleys.

it will further be appreciated that in armor wall structures intended for use in armored vehicles, it is not only important that effective protection be provided within a small space, but weight considerations become important. It is, therefore, preferred that the armor wall elements of this invention be composed either entirely or to a substantial degree of aluminum. Aluminum, being a lightweight metal, yet possessing sufficient strength in plate thickness to resist projectile penetration, provides the desired protection while avoiding undesired excessive addition to vehicle weight. It also may serve as a structural unit.

As has been stated above, the use of aluminum also permits ready manufacture of the wall elements by extrusion. This provides for automatic control of the uniformity of the transverse cross-sectional configuration throughout the length of the wall element, as well as ease of manufacture. In addition, it reduces the amount of joints required to establish a wall structure as each armor wall element will at least to a substantial extent be unitary.

it will therefore be appreciated that this invention provides an economical means of effectively preventing projectile penetration through an armor wall structure. This is accomplished by providing for maximum projectile penetration resistance and appropriate protective reinforcement along portions of the wall structure.

Whereas particular embodiments of the invention have been described for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

lclaim:

1. An armor member comprising i a substantially rigid elongated armor wall element,

said armor element having a transverse cross-sectional configuration which is substantially uniform throughout its longitudinal extent,

said armor element having an impact surface facing a first transverse direction and a rear surface facing a second transverse direction, said impact surface having alternate peaks and valleys,

said peaks are generally parallel to each other and taper transversely outwardly in said first transverse direction, said valleys are generally parallel to each other and are open in said first transverse direction and taper inwardly toward said second transverse direction, reinforcing means for resisting projectile penetration of said armor element, said reinforcing means providing resistance to projectile penetration at said peaks or said valleys or at both said peaks and said valleys,

said reinforcing means has an insert portion of a material different from the remainder of said armor wall element, said reinforcing means includes an integrally formed rib originating within the inner portionof at least a substantial number of said valleys, r i each said rib extending outwardly in said first transverse direction, and

a steel insert tapered in said first transverse direction secured to the free end of said rib.

2. An armor member comprising a substantially rigid elongated armor wall element,

said armor element having an impact surface facing a first transverse direction and a rear surface facing a second transverse direction,

said impact surface having alternate peaks and valleys,

said peaks are generally parallel to each other and taper transversely outwardly in said first transverse direction,

said valleys are generally parallel to each other and are open in said first transverse direction and taper inwardly toward said second transverse direction,

reinforcing means for resisting projectile penetration of said armor element,

said reinforcing means providing resistance to projectile penetration at said peaks or said valleys or at both said peaks and said valleys,

said peaks and valleys are longitudinally oriented with respect to said elongated wall element,

substantially fiat impact surface sectors define said peaks and said valleys,

the included angle between two adjacent peak defining surface sectors being about 50 to the included angle between two adjacent valley defining surface sectors being about 50 to 90,

said reinforcing means are integrally formed with respect to said anrror wall element,

said reinforcing means are longitudinally coextensive with said elongated armor wall element,

said reinforcing means including an elongated rib which originates within the innermost portion of one of said valleys and extends outwardly therefrom in said first transverse direction,

at least a substantial number of said valleys provided with said elongated ribs, and said ribs do not extend as far outwardly in said first transverse direction as said peaks.

3. The armor member of claim 2, including said ribs having an outer portion tapering outwardly in said first transverse direction, and

said tapered portion of said ribs having an included angle of about 50 to 90.

4. An armor member comprising a substantially rigid elongated armor wall element,

said impact surface having alternate peaks and valleys,

reinforcing means for resisting projectile penetration of said armor element,

substantially flat impact surface sectors define said peaks and said valleys,

the included angle between two a jacent peak defining surface sectors being about 50 to 90,

the included angle between two adjacent valley defining surface sectors being about 50 to 90, I

said reinforcing means are integrally formed with respect to said armor wall element,

said reinforcing means including an elongated rib which originates on said rear surface of said armor element at a position generally aligned with the innermost portion-of one said valley,

said rib extending in said-second transverse direction,

at least a portion of said rib having a thickness greater than the thickness of the valley defining portions of said armor element, and

at least a substantial number of said valleys are provided with said elongated ribs.

S. An armor member comprising a substantially rigid elongated armor wall element,

said impact surface having alternate peaks and valleys,

said rear surface having alternate peaks and valleys disposed in such position that said rear surface peaks will be disposed in generally aligned rearward position with respect to said impact surface valleys and said rear surface valleys will be disposed in generally aligned rearward position with respect to said impact surface peaks,

portions of said armor wall element disposed between said peaks and valleys being of substantially uniform thickness,

said impact surface peaks are generally parallel to each other and taper transversely outwardly in said first transverse direction,

said impact surface valleys are generally parallel to each other and are open in said first transverse direction and taper inwardly toward said second transverse direction,

reinforcing means for resisting projectile penetration of said armor element,

said reinforcing means providing resistance to projectile penetration at said impact surface peaks or said impact surface valleys or at both said impact surface peaks and said valleys,

said peaks and valleys are longitudinally oriented with respect to said elongated wall element, substantially flat impact surface sectors define said impact surface peaks and said impact surface valleys,

substantially flat rear surface sectors define said rear surface peaks and said rear surface valleys,

the included angle between two adjacent peak defining surface sectors being about 50 to 90,

the included angle between two adjacent valley defining surface sectors being about 50 to 90",

said reinforcing means are integrally formed as a unit with respect to said armor wall element,

said reinforcing means includes an impact surface peak extension originating at at least one said impact surface peak and extending generally angularly in said first transverse direction, and

said peak extension has one surface which is substantially flat and substantially coplanar with one of said impact surface sectors defining said peak and a second surface parallel to said first surface which extends transversely beyond the other said impact surface sector defining said peak.

6. An armor member comprising a substantially rigid elongated armor wall element,

said impact surface having alternate peaks and valleys,

said impact surface peaks are generally parallel to each other and taper transversely outwardly in said first transverse direction, i

reinforcing means for resisting projectile penetration of said armor element,

substantially flat impact surface sectors define said impact surface peaks and said impact surface valleys,

said reinforcing means integrally formed as a unit with respect to said armor wall element,

said peaks have a generally V-shaped transverse impact surface configuration,

said reinforcing means includes an integrally fonned thickened wall portion behind said impact surface peak extending in said second transverse direction, and

said rear surface behind said peak having a generally U- shaped configuration.

7. An armor wall structure comprising a plurality of elongated armor wall elements each secured to at least one adjacent annor wall element at the marginal edges thereof to define an armor wall structure,

said wall structure having a first series of impact surfaces each of substantially identical configuration,

said wall structure having a second series of impact surfaces of substantially identical orientation with respect to each other, but of different orientation than said first impact surfaces,

said second series of impact surfaces disposed in alternating position with respect to said first series of impact surfaces, I

said first and second impact surfaces combining to define a wall surface which has alternate peaks and valleys,

reinforcing means for resisting penetration of said wall by projectiles on at least one of said peaks or said valleys,

each said wall element being a unitary extruded aluminum wall sector of substantially uniform transverse cross-sectional configuration throughout its longitudinal extent,

each said wall element having marginal edges of complementary configuration with respect to the contacting marginal edges of adjacent elements,

said marginal edges are secured by welded joints,

said wall elements have a generally W-shaped cross-sectional configuration,

each said peak is defined by an inner leg and an outer leg of said W-shaped element,

the adjacent pair of inner legs combine to define a valley,

said valley having an included angle of about 50 to 90,

flange portions disposed at the free end of each said outer reinforcing ribs directed outwardly in said first transverse direction connected to each of said valleys and said flanges, and

said reinforcing ribs not extending outwardly in said first transverse direction as far as said peaks.

8. The armor member of claim 7, including said armor members.

Claims

1. An armor member comprising a substantially rigid elongated armor wall element, said armor element having a transverse cross-sectional configuration which is substantially uniform throughout its longitudinal extent, said armor element having an impact surface facing a first transverse direction and a rear surface facing a second transverse direction, said impact surface having alternate peaks and valleys, said peaks are generally parallel to each other and taper transversely outwardly in said first transverse direction, said valleys are generally parallel to each other and are open in said first transverse direction and taper inwardly toward said second transverse direction, reinforcing means for resisting projectile penetration of said armor element, said reinforcing means providing resistance to projectile penetration at said peaks or said valleys or at both said peaks and said valleys, said reinforcing means has an insert portion of a material different from the remainder of said armor wall element, said reinforcing means includes an integrally formed rib originating within the inner portion of at least a substantial number of said valleys, each said rib extending outwardly in said first transverse direction, and a steel insert tapered in said first transverse direction secured to the free end of said rib.

2. An armor member comprising a substantially rigid elongated armor wall element, said armor element having a transverse cross-sectional configuration which is substantially uniform throughout its longitudinal extent, said armor element having an impact surface facing a first transverse direction and a rear surface facing a second transverse direction, said impact surface having alternate peaks and valleys, said peaks are generally parallel to each other and taper transversely outwardly in said first transverse direction, said valleys are generally parallel to each other and are open in said first transverse direction and taper inwardly toward said second transverse direction, reinforcing means for resisting projectile penetration of said armor element, said reinforcing means providing resistance to projectile penetration at said peaks or said valleys or at both said peaks and said valleys, said peaks and valleys are longitudinally oriented with respect to said elongated wall element, substantially flat impact surface sectors define said peaks and said valleys, the included angle between two adjacent peak defining surface sectors being about 50* to 90*, the included angle between two adjacent valley defining surface sectors being about 50* to 90*, said reinforcing means are integrally formed with respect to said armor wall element, said reinforcing means are longitudinally coextensive with said elongated armor wall element, said reinforcing means including an elongated rib which originates within the innermost portion of one of said valleys and extends outwardly therefrom in said first transverse direction, at least a substantial number of said valleys provided with said elongated ribs, and said ribs do not extend as far outwardly in said first transverse direction as said peaks.

3. The armor member of claim 2, including said ribs having an outer portion tapering outwardly in said firSt transverse direction, and said tapered portion of said ribs having an included angle of about 50* to 90*.

4. An armor member comprising a substantially rigid elongated armor wall element, said armor element having a transverse cross-sectional configuration which is substantially uniform throughout its longitudinal extent, said armor element having an impact surface facing a first transverse direction and a rear surface facing a second transverse direction, said impact surface having alternate peaks and valleys, said peaks are generally parallel to each other and taper transversely outwardly in said first transverse direction, said valleys are generally parallel to each other and are open in said first transverse direction and taper inwardly toward said second transverse direction, reinforcing means for resisting projectile penetration of said armor element, said reinforcing means providing resistance to projectile penetration at said peaks or said valleys or at both said peaks and said valleys, said peaks and valleys are longitudinally oriented with respect to said elongated wall element, substantially flat impact surface sectors define said peaks and said valleys, the included angle between two adjacent peak defining surface sectors being about 50* to 90*, the included angle between two adjacent valley defining surface sectors being about 50* to 90*, said reinforcing means are integrally formed with respect to said armor wall element, said reinforcing means are longitudinally coextensive with said elongated armor wall element, said reinforcing means including an elongated rib which originates on said rear surface of said armor element at a position generally aligned with the innermost portion of one said valley, said rib extending in said second transverse direction, at least a portion of said rib having a thickness greater than the thickness of the valley defining portions of said armor element, and at least a substantial number of said valleys are provided with said elongated ribs.

5. An armor member comprising a substantially rigid elongated armor wall element, said armor element having a transverse cross-sectional configuration which is substantially uniform throughout its longitudinal extent, said armor element having an impact surface facing a first transverse direction and a rear surface facing a second transverse direction, said impact surface having alternate peaks and valleys, said rear surface having alternate peaks and valleys disposed in such position that said rear surface peaks will be disposed in generally aligned rearward position with respect to said impact surface valleys and said rear surface valleys will be disposed in generally aligned rearward position with respect to said impact surface peaks, portions of said armor wall element disposed between said peaks and valleys being of substantially uniform thickness, said impact surface peaks are generally parallel to each other and taper transversely outwardly in said first transverse direction, said impact surface valleys are generally parallel to each other and are open in said first transverse direction and taper inwardly toward said second transverse direction, reinforcing means for resisting projectile penetration of said armor element, said reinforcing means providing resistance to projectile penetration at said impact surface peaks or said impact surface valleys or at both said impact surface peaks and said valleys, said peaks and valleys are longitudinally oriented with respect to said elongated wall element, substantially flat impact surface sectors define said impact surface peaks and said impact surface valleys, substantially flat rear surface sectors define said rear surface peaks and said rear surface valleys, the included angle between two adjacent peak dEfining surface sectors being about 50* to 90*, the included angle between two adjacent valley defining surface sectors being about 50* to 90*, said reinforcing means are integrally formed as a unit with respect to said armor wall element, said reinforcing means are longitudinally coextensive with said elongated armor wall element, said reinforcing means includes an impact surface peak extension originating at at least one said impact surface peak and extending generally angularly in said first transverse direction, and said peak extension has one surface which is substantially flat and substantially coplanar with one of said impact surface sectors defining said peak and a second surface parallel to said first surface which extends transversely beyond the other said impact surface sector defining said peak.

6. An armor member comprising a substantially rigid elongated armor wall element, said armor element having a transverse cross-sectional configuration which is substantially uniform throughout its longitudinal extent, said armor element having an impact surface facing a first transverse direction and a rear surface facing a second transverse direction, said impact surface having alternate peaks and valleys, said rear surface having alternate peaks and valleys disposed in such position that said rear surface peaks will be disposed in generally aligned rearward position with respect to said impact surface valleys and said rear surface valleys will be disposed in generally aligned rearward position with respect to said impact surface peaks, portions of said armor wall element disposed between said peaks and valleys being of substantially uniform thickness, said impact surface peaks are generally parallel to each other and taper transversely outwardly in said first transverse direction, said impact surface valleys are generally parallel to each other and are open in said first transverse direction and taper inwardly toward said second transverse direction, reinforcing means for resisting projectile penetration of said armor element, said reinforcing means providing resistance to projectile penetration at said impact surface peaks or said impact surface valleys or at both said impact surface peaks and said valleys, said peaks and valleys are longitudinally oriented with respect to said elongated wall element, substantially flat impact surface sectors define said impact surface peaks and said impact surface valleys, substantially flat rear surface sectors define said rear surface peaks and said rear surface valleys, the included angle between two adjacent peak defining surface sectors being about 50* to 90*, the included angle between two adjacent valley defining surface sectors being about 50* to 90*, said reinforcing means are integrally formed as a unit with respect to said armor wall element, said reinforcing means are longitudinally coextensive with said elongated armor wall element, said peaks have a generally V-shaped transverse impact surface configuration, said reinforcing means includes an integrally formed thickened wall portion behind said impact surface peak extending in said second transverse direction, and said rear surface behind said peak having a generally U-shaped configuration.

7. An armor wall structure comprising a plurality of elongated armor wall elements each secured to at least one adjacent armor wall element at the marginal edges thereof to define an armor wall structure, said wall structure having a first series of impact surfaces each of substantially identical configuration, said wall structure having a second series of impact surfaces of substantially identical orientation with respect to each other, but of different orientation than said first impact surfaces, said second series of impact surfaces disposed in alternating position with respect to said first series of impact surfaces, said first and second impact surfaces combining to define a wall surface which has alternate peaks and valleys, reinforcing means for resisting penetration of said wall by projectiles on at least one of said peaks or said valleys, each said wall element being a unitary extruded aluminum wall sector of substantially uniform transverse cross-sectional configuration throughout its longitudinal extent, each said wall element having marginal edges of complementary configuration with respect to the contacting marginal edges of adjacent elements, said marginal edges are secured by welded joints, said wall elements have a generally W-shaped cross-sectional configuration, each said peak is defined by an inner leg and an outer leg of said W-shaped element, the adjacent pair of inner legs combine to define a valley, said valley having an included angle of about 50* to 90*, flange portions disposed at the free end of each said outer leg, reinforcing ribs directed outwardly in said first transverse direction connected to each of said valleys and said flanges, and said reinforcing ribs not extending outwardly in said first transverse direction as far as said peaks.

8. The armor member of claim 7, including said flange portions having substantially flat faces for joinder in face to face abutment to flanges of adjacent said armor members.