Ballistic impact response of multi-layered shields

In an optimal design, more often than not, an initial configuration of a structure must be modified several times to provide the optimal arrangement. The objective of the project is to develop and use a genetic algorithm to find such as arrangement for multi-layered shields.

When the nature of loading is known, systematic optimisation methods such as genetic algorithm could help find the best solution through an iterative process. It is therefore essential to use a robust optimisation scheme along with prior knowledge of the nature of loading on the structure to provide a heuristic algorithm to solve for best response. A plate of a given thickness (t) subjected to a particular ballistic threat has a certain ballistic limit (V50) and offers certain level of energy absorption. If the same plate is replaced by a set of plates of thicknesses t1 to tN , where N denotes the number of layers, in such a way that t=t1+t2+…tN, one can increase ballistic limit and energy absorption through correct selection of N-1 independent thickness variables for the same weight of the system.