Hybrid composite structures for ballistic protection

Abstract

The present invention relates to hybrid composite structures with improved ballistic protection properties. More specifically, the present invention relates to hybrid composite structures with improved ballistic protection properties that comprise at least three sub-layers.

1 . A hybrid composite armor structure comprising: 
 at least one face layer, the face layer being formed from a ceramic layer;    at least one backing layer, the backing layer being formed from at least one composite; and    at least intermediate layer, the intermediate layer being positioned between the at least one face layer and the at least one backing layer.    
   
   
       2 . The armor structure of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one face layer is a ceramic tile layer.  
   
   
       3 . The armor structure of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one face layer is formed from an aluminum ceramic tile layer.  
   
   
       4 . The armor structure of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more intermediate layers are independently selected from composite backing layers, non-composite backing layers, and foam layers.  
   
   
       5 . The armor structure of  claim 4 , wherein the composite used in the composite layers is at least one fiber-reinforced composite.  
   
   
       6 . The armor structure of  claim 4 , wherein the foam is an aluminum foam.  
   
   
       7 . The armor structure of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more intermediate layers are independently selected from composite backing layers and non-composite backing layers.  
   
   
       8 . A hybrid composite armor structure comprising: 
 at least one face layer, the face layer being formed from a ceramic tile layer;    at least one backing layer, the backing layer being formed from at least one laminated composite or chain composite; and    at least intermediate layer, the intermediate layer being positioned between the at least one face layer and the at least one backing layer, where the one or more intermediate layers are formed from a braided composite, stitched composite, or a foam layer.    
   
   
       9 . The armor structure of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one face layer is formed from an aluminum ceramic tile layer.  
   
   
       10 . The armor structure of  claim 8 , wherein the composite used in any one or more of the composite layers is at least one fiber-reinforced composite.  
   
   
       11 . The armor structure of  claim 8 , wherein the foam is an aluminum foam.  
   
   
       12 . A hybrid composite armor structure comprising: 
 at least one face layer, the face layer being formed from an aluminum ceramic tile layer;    at least one backing layer, the backing layer being formed from at least one laminated composite or chain composite; and    at least intermediate layer, the intermediate layer being positioned between the at least one face layer and the at least one backing layer, where the one or more intermediate layers are formed from a braided composite, stitched composite, or a aluminum foam layer    wherein the composite used in any one or more of the composite layers is at least one fiber-reinforced composite.