An Investigation of Armor Bolt Failure Due to Ballistic Events

Military vehicle armor panels are traditionally mounted through the use of bolts. A proper understanding of bolt loading conditions and failure is necessary to produce an optimal attachment design. Bolt failure during a ballistic event could lead to vehicle vulnerabilities. Tank-Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC) and Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) performed a study quantify the forces in the bolts and understand the failure mechanisms of bolts. This was successfully achieved using instrumented bolts and various tensile tests. The results will be used to develop design guidance for vehicle integrators. This paper summarizes the testing that occurred and the results of the effort.