Energy Absorption in Multilayer Ceramic Structures

Ceramic materials play a crucial role in extreme applications such as ballistic protection and impact-resistant shielding due to their ability to fragment upon impact, dissipating energy in the process. This study investigates whether multilayer structures, incorporating eventual elastomeric interlayers, can enhance energy absorption compared to single-layer ceramics. Impact experiments were performed with a steel sphere on different ceramic materials, both in monolithic and multilayer configurations, to evaluate their energy absorption response and fragmentation behavior. Different ceramic materials, such as alumina, boron carbide, and silicon carbide, have been employed to create single-material and hybrid-material structures. The goal is to understand the role of interfaces in mitigating impact forces and improving overall resistance. Experimental results will provide essential data for material modeling validation, as accurate models are crucial for further analysis of the underlying mechanisms.