Composite auxetic armour

Abstract

A ceramic amour plate ( 1,41,50,70 ) having auxetic reinforcement ( 2,40,51,71 ). The auxetic reinforcement may be provided utilising auxetic fibres, auxetic knits or weaves, or lay-ups exhibiting auxetic behaviour. The auxetic reinforcement reduces cracking of the ceramic plate to improve multi-hit performance. The reinforcement may be provided as a layer ( 2,40, 51 ) bonded to the surface of the ceramic plate ( 1,41,50 ) or as an integral part ( 71 ) of the ceramic plate ( 70 ).

1 . An armour plate, comprising:
 at least one ceramic plate; and   a component which exhibits auxetic behaviour.   
     
     
         2 . An armour plate according to  claim 1  wherein the ceramic plate comprises the component which exhibits auxetic behaviour. 
     
     
         3 . An armour plate according to  claim 1  wherein the component which exhibits auxetic behaviour is comprised in a composite layer on a surface of the ceramic plate. 
     
     
         4 . An armour plate according to  claim 3  wherein the composite layer is formed on the surface during curing of the composite layer. 
     
     
         5 . An armour plate according to  claim 3 , wherein the composite layer is bonded to the surface by an adhesive. 
     
     
         6 . An armour plate according to  claim 3 . wherein a composite layer is formed on each surface of the ceramic plate. 
     
     
         7 . An armour plate according to  claim 1  wherein the component exhibiting auxetic behaviour is at least one auxetic fibre. 
     
     
         8 . An armour plate according to  claim 1  wherein the component exhibiting auxetic behaviour is a knitted or woven fabric. 
     
     
         9 . An armour plate according to  claim 8  wherein the fabric is formed of non-auxetic fibres. 
     
     
         10 . An armour panel comprising two or more armour plates separated by a composite structure, wherein the two or more armour plates each comprise at least one ceramic plate and a component which exhibits auxetic behaviour. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . An item of armoured clothing comprising:
 a piece of clothing associated with at least one armour plate, wherein the at least one armour plate comprises at least one ceramic plate and a component which exhibits auxetic behaviour.   
     
     
         13 . An item of armoured clothing according to  claim 12 , comprising two or more armour plates separated by a composite structure.