This work determined the effects of batch to batch variation, deterioration due to age and induced cracking on the ballistic performance of contoured protective body armour plates. Cracks were introduced into batches of plates, X-rays were then used to determine the positions of cracks and the ballistic performance of these cracked areas evaluated. A statistical analysis of all results was performed in order to assess the V_(50) velocity and the velocity at which the failure probability was less than 5% (V_(05)). It was found that all batches of plates assessed as Al condition exceeded the ballistic specification by at least 15% and even when severely cracked the ballistic performance remained at least 10% above specification. No evidence was found of any construction effects, defects or deterioration due to age that resulted in a reduction in ballistic performance.
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