TY - M-10443
AU - Butt, Muddassir
TI - Ballistic Performance of Ceramic-Based Armor Systems: Materials, Failure Mechanisms, and Numerical Modeling.
T2 - Scientific Research Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology

PY - 2026
VL - 4
IS - 1
SN - 2584-0584

AB - Ceramic-based armor systems have gained significant importance in modern ballistic protection due to their high hardness, low density, and exceptional projectile erosion capability. Unlike metallic armor, ceramics primarily dissipate kinetic energy through brittle fracture, comminution, and stress-wave interactions. This review paper presents a detailed and critical review of ceramic armor materials, including alumina (Al₂O₃), silicon carbide (SiC), and boron carbide (B₄C), with emphasis on their mechanical properties, ballistic performance, and failure mechanisms. The role of ceramic–metal and ceramic–composite configurations is discussed alongside standardized ballistic testing methodologies. Furthermore, numerical modeling approaches for ceramic armor systems are reviewed, highlighting current challenges in simulating fragmentation and damage evolution. The study aims to provide a coherent understanding of ceramic armor behavior and to identify future research directions for advanced lightweight protection systems.

KW - Ceramic armor
KW -  ballistic impact
KW -  alumina
KW -  silicon carbide
KW -  boron carbide
KW -  numerical modeling
DO -