John Wang and Leo Mirabella
The effect of structural loading on ballistic damage in carbon/epoxy composites was investigated. Flat panel specimens clamped in a four-point bending rig were shot using 12.7-mm and 20-mm projectiles. The structural loads corresponding to 0, 25%, 50%, and 65% ultimate strength of the specimens were applied. The damage was inspected visually and using ultrasonic C-scan techniques. The specimens were finally loaded to failure to measure their residual stiffness and strength. The test results showed that a low structural load (corresponding to 25% ultimate strength) did not affect the resultant ballistic damage nor the residual stiffness, compared with those of unloaded specimens. Significant increase of damage occurred when higher structural loading was applied. The test results also showed that more damage occurred when ballistic impact was combined with structural loading, than that when they were separately applied. Around 10% residual stiffness reduction was observed for those specimens shot with a structural load close to 65% of ultimate strength. At a structural load close to 65% ultimate strength, around 10% initial stiffness reduction was observed. However, for all cases investigated, structural loading did not significantly affect the residual strength.
Nick Young and Barry A. Stacey
Naval air defence is a complex multi-dimensional problem, requiring complex and expensive equipment. In the current military environment, both missiles (hardkill) and decoys (softkill) are used against contemporary threats. These systems all influence the same spectral bandwidth and are often required simultaneously. Only suitable coordination will allow these systems to be used to full performance against the threat. Another consideration is the signature and manoeuvre capability of the defending platform and its influence on the hardkill and softkill systems. This paper provides an overview of the problem of the threat and coordination of softkill and hardkill as an introduction to a series of papers on the subject of hardkill-softkill coordination.
Alan Nott
The electromagnetic environment (EME) in both civilian and defence arenas continues to grow in complexity and intensity. At the same time complex electronic and electric control of a multitude of systems including those involving explosive ordnance (EO) is becoming commonplace. Paralleling this growth is, or should be, a heightened awareness of the EME and its effects including those from electromagnetic radiation hazards to ordnance, personnel, fuel, and electronic devices. Duty of care requires that the risks arising from these interactions be maintained at acceptable levels. This paper is intended to provide the novice, with minimal background in electromagnetics and explosives, some insight into the nature of electro-explosive hazards (EEH). While hazards arise from a number of electromagnetic phenomena, because of space limitations, this paper is limited to those associated with radio and radar transmission equipment, and the methodologies that can be used to estimate and manage such hazards.
Scott B.R. Wheeler
Command, control, and communications (C3) are essential to the conduct of military actions: embodying the legal authority to direct forces; facilitating the administration and management of resources; and enabling the coordination of efforts towards achieving purposeful effects. This paper investigates past, present, and proposed C3 systems and structures enabling the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to develop, operate, and evolve a C3 capability for service in the 2016 timeframe. Results of this study will inform the development of a future integrated C3 capability for the ADF.
Mark A. Richardson, Robin B. Jenkin, John A. Coath, and Clarence Chan
Biometric techniques for positively verifying the identity of people have gained popularity in recent years. This may be attributed to improved technology and increased processing power leading to lower false positives, errors and an increase in sophistication of statistical and recognition algorithms. Initially, biometric systems generally operated in a single modality employing methods such as iris, retinal or fingerprint scans to identify an individual. To improve robustness, an emerging trend is to combine a number of biometric measures to produce multi-modal systems. Regardless of the method of imaging, a consistent problem is verification that human tissue, rather than prosthetics, video or other images are being used to stimulate the device.
Paul J. Hazell, Ceramic Armour: Design and Defeat Mechanisms , Argos Press, Canberra, 2006.
I completed a bachelor of civil engineering degree at the Royal Military College of Australia, but graduated into Army Aviation. As an engineer learning to be aircrew, I yearned to know more about the systems that operated the aircraft I was flying than the bare essentials that were presented in the Flight Manual. Where was Avionics Principles when I really needed it?
