Composite armor philosophy (CAP): Holistic design methodology of multi-layered composite protection systems for armored vehicles

Abstract

A philosophy for the design of novel, lightweight, multi-layered armor, referred to as Composite Armor Philosophy (CAP), which can adapt to the passive protection of light-, medium-, and heavy-armored vehicles, is presented in this study. CAP can serve as a guiding principle to assist designers in comprehending the distinct roles fulfilled by each component. The CAP proposal comprises four functional layers, organized in a suggested hierarchy of materials. Particularly notable is the inclusion of a ceramic-composite principle, representing an advanced and innovative solution in the field of armor design. This paper showcases real-world defense industry applications, offering case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of this advanced approach. CAP represents a significant milestone in the history of passive protection, marking an evolutionary leap in the field. This philosophical approach provides designers with a powerful toolset with which to enhance the protection capabilities of military vehicles, making them more resilient and better equipped to meet the challenges of modern warfare.