Terahertz nondestructive testing of alumina-based ceramic ballistic protection armor

• DOI: 10.1016/j.infrared.2024.105163
• Publication Date: 2024-01-17T09:56:40Z
• Authors: Norbert Pałka; Kamil Kamiński; Marcin Maciejewski; Dawid Pacek; Waldemar Świderski
• Keywords: Raster scan; Round robin test; Armour; Sample (material); Kevlar; Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

We prepared an alumina-based ceramic ballistic protection armor sample consisting of hexagonal alumina tiles arranged in a honeycomb structure, glued with Kevlar®, and covered polyurethane-based resin. The was shot four projectiles, strongly hit from the back, locally water. terahertz complex refractive index materials constituting measured. A time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) setup reflection configuration used to raster scan XY sample. results form time signals, top views, cross-sections enabled understanding internal structure THz-TDS proved be suitable for non-destructive testing armors depth-discriminant 3D imaging. Transfer matrix method (TMM) correctly simulated signals reflected sample, calculated thickness layers, help determine type hidden defects.