Evaluation of a Pre-Activated Sealant Self-Sealing Concept for Protecting Aircraft Fuel Tanks Against Small Arms Projectiles

摘要

This investigation was conducted to evaluate the merits of a novel self-sealing materials concept proposed by dynamic Science Division of Ultrasystems Inc. that offers the potential of sealing cored or misaligned wound punctures beyond the capability of conventional self-sealing fuel cells developed in the past. The concept is based on pre-activated sealant which is in a pressurized state and thus, flows into and fills a cored-out or misaligned wound. In this case, mechanical technique for placing a fluid sealant under pressure was investigated. The required test panels were prepared by mechanically injecting a fluid sealan silicone elastomer into the interstices of a quilted fabric panel construction and curing it to the desired consistency while applying pressure. Results of ballistic tests involving .50 caliber AP, API, and Ball M2, .60 caliber Ball and 20mm TP projectiles validated this self-sealing materials concept's capability for sealing cored projectile wounds.