Method and apparatus for conformal embedded ceramic armor

Abstract

Armor and a method of making the same, where ceramic tile is placed in opngs of a frame of material and layers of material are in contact with opposite sides of the frame and the tile, and wherein the material of both the frame and the layers is passed through a superplastic state by applications of heat and pressure.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for forming armor comprising: forming an assembly by surrounding at least one ceramic tile with material that becomes superplastic when it is subjected to increasing pressure while at a selected temperature;   heating the assembly to a given temperature;   subjecting the assembly to a pressure that increases to a given value;   maintaining said given temperature and said given pressure for a period of time;   reducing the temperature while maintaining the given pressure; and   removing the pressure.   
     
     
       2. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein: a vacuum is drawn around the ceramic tile.   
     
     
       3. A method as set forth in Claim 1, further comprising: heating said assembly a second time to a second given temperature;   water quenching the assembly; and   aging the assembly by maintaining it at a third temperature for a second period of time.   
     
     
       4. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said material is metal. 
     
     
       5. An armor assembly comprising: a frame of material having a plurality of openings;   a plurality of ceramic tiles in each of said openings, respectively;   layers of material in contact with each side of said frame and said ceramic tiles; and   said frame and said layers being comprised of material that has been subjected to heat and pressure so that they have passed through a superplastic forming and diffusion bonding state.   
     
     
       6. An armor assembly comprising: material that has been passed through a superplastic state; and   ceramic tile embedded in said material.   
     
     
       7. An armor assembly as set forth is claim 6, wherein said tile has been metallized before it was embedded.