On the improvement of the ballistic performance of a silicon carbide tile through pre-stress: Experiments and simulations

A pre-stressing technique for improving the ballistic performance of a circular silicon carbide tile has been tested against ø12-mm spherical steel projectile. The confining pre-stress was achieved through a heat-shrunk steel collar and was evaluated through neutron diffraction for the ceramic-collar system. Subsequent ballistic experiments and simulations of the impact event were used to elucidate the mechanisms and benefits of pre-stress on the ballistic response. CT-scans of various specimens, post-impact, show that the pre-stress affects the trajectory of the Hertzian cone and limits the overall damage. Furthermore, simulations qualitatively agreed with the experimental result, showing a reduction in crack propagation and altered paths of damage. Greater confining stress led to higher negative triaxiality, which act to arrest the tensile hoop stresses and corresponding cracks.