Lightweight Ballistic Composites

Ballistic composites are lightweight and durable under a variety of environmental conditions, such as water and chemicals, and they exhibit high performance levels, including high strength, impact and ballistic resistance, and damage tolerance. These advantages make ballistic composites the perfect choice for use on lightweight vehicles, watercraft, aircraft armor, and anywhere else where lightweight bullet protection is required. They also have exceptional insulating properties in high temperature environments.

After an introductory chapter, Lightweight Ballistic Composites is split into two main sections. The first half explores requirements and testing. A chapter on bullets and bullet deformation provides important background information, which is expanded in chapters on the material response to ballistic impact and modeling of the impact. Standards and specifications are discussed as are testing methods. The second half of the book focuses on the types of material available, with an emphasis on applications.


This major new book is the first of its kind to give a comprehensive review of the current use of lightweight ballistic composites in both military and law-enforcement applications. It will be invaluable for all those working in the safety and protective materials industry and all concerned in health and safety in a variety of industries. It will also be an important work for health and safety workers and researchers in the military and police service.