An Attempt to Predict Transparent Armor Ballistic Performance through Quasi-Static Punch Shear Test

Abstract Background Transparent armor systems are traditionally designed following a trial-and-error approach, which involves high development costs associated with ballistic testing. This research article presents a novel methodology, termed quasi-static multi-punch shear testing, within the domain of transparent armor systems. Objective The primary aim is to establish a correlation between multi-hit ballistic tests at Level III-A according to the NIJ 0108.01 standard, achieved through an adaptation of the single-shot ballistic limit methodology, and the quasi-static multi-punch shear testing. The objective is to utilize a simple experimental methodology that provides insights into the multi-hit ballistic behavior of transparent armors. Methods Parameters such as absorbed energy and observed damage mechanisms were utilized to assess the potential relationship between these tests. Transparent armor samples that underwent testing using the quasi-static multi-punch shear test were subsequently cross-sectioned using a water jet cutting machine to facilitate visualization of material damage. In addition, drawing on insights from quasi-static multi-punch shear testing results, the K-means clustering algorithm was employed to predict the likelihood of a specific transparent armor system passing a multi-hit ballistic test. Results Various damage mechanisms were observed as a function of the punch displacement, and correlations were made with the load–displacement curves. Furthermore, the implementation of the K-means clustering algorithm successfully classified transparent armor into two groups: those that passed the ballistic test and those that did not. Conclusions This research significantly advances understanding of transparent armor system behavior under multi-hit conditions and offers a promising predictive tool for evaluating their performance through straightforward and cost-effective experimentation.