Experimental investigation on ballistic resistance of polyurea coated steel plates subjected to fragment impact

Experimental studies were conducted to investigate the ballistic resistance of polyurea coated low carbon alloy steel plates subjected to cubic fragments. In the tests, low- or high-hardness polyurea was coated on the front, back and both sides of the steel plates. Thicknesses of the polyurea and steel in coated plates were the same. Ballistic limits of different configurations were measured, and specific energy absorptions were calculated to evaluate ballistic performances. Failure mechanisms of steel plate and polyurea with different coating types and positions were discussed. Results indicated that polyurea coating could improve ballistic limit of target plate, and plate with high-hardness polyurea on the front side exhibited the best ballistic resistance. For different types of polyurea, steel plate with front coating demonstrated a better performance than the plate with back coating. When sprayed on the front side, steel plate with high-hardness polyurea demonstrated a better performance than the plate with low-hardness coating. This study provides guidance for the design of polyurea coated steel plates in engineering applications.