THERMOPLASTIC MATRIX COMBAT HELMET WITH GRAPHITE-EPOXY SKIN

摘要

An advanced molding process has been developed for manufacturing ballistic helmets comprised of thermoplastic (TP) resin matrix composite materials reinforced with para-aramid fibers, woven fabrics, unidirectional fiber architectures and structural graphite-epoxy skins. The developed TP matrix ballistic helmet design is thinner and lighter than the current PASGT helmet, meets the durability requirements of any practical helmet and has superior ballistic resistance against a range of fragmentation threats. This paper discusses the design, manufacturing and testing of these hybrid (reinforcement and matrix) composite materials that balance the ballistic performance and stiffness requirements of the ballistic helmet design utilizing thermoplastic matrix resins, para-aramid fabrics, and graphite-epoxy skins. This new TP matrix helmet molding technology is also potentially cost competitive because it takes advantage of 80% of the existing helmet manufacturing infrastructure.