A spall liner is a crucial component of vehicle armour systems designed to enhance protection against secondary fragmentation, particularly in armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) and military vehicles exposed to explosive blasts or ballistic impacts. This specialised lining serves as a secondary barrier inside the vehicle’s crew compartment, aimed at mitigating the effects of spalling ? the potentially lethal debris generated when a projectile strikes the outer surface of the armour.
Functionality and Design:
Spall liners are typically composed of layers of high-strength materials such as ballistic-grade aramid fibres, ballistic nylon, or composite materials, engineered to absorb and dissipate the energy of incoming projectiles and fragmentations. The liner is strategically positioned behind the primary armour plating, forming a protective barrier that intercepts and captures spall fragments, preventing them from penetrating the crew compartment and causing injury to occupants.
Protection Against Spalling:
When a projectile impacts the outer surface of the vehicle’s armour, it can generate a shockwave that propagates through the material, causing spalling ? the detachment of fragments from the spall linerinner surface of the armour. These spall fragments pose a significant threat to the vehicle’s crew, as they can travel at high velocities and penetrate unprotected surfaces, causing injury or death.
The spall liner acts as a catchment system, intercepting spall fragments before they can pose a threat to the crew. By absorbing the energy of the projectile and fragmentations, the liner reduces the velocity and kinetic energy of the spall fragments, preventing them from penetrating the crew compartment and minimising the risk of injury to occupants.
Advantages and Considerations:
Enhanced Crew Protection: Spall liners significantly enhance crew survivability by reducing the risk of injury from secondary fragmentation, improving overall vehicle survivability in combat situations.
Lightweight and Flexible: Modern spall liners are designed to be lightweight and flexible, minimising added weight and bulk while maximising protection and occupant comfort.
Maintenance and Replacement: Spall liners require periodic inspection and maintenance to ensure continued effectiveness. Damaged or worn liners must be promptly repaired or replaced to maintain optimal protection levels.
Conclusion:
Spall liners play a critical role in enhancing crew protection and vehicle survivability in armoured vehicles exposed to explosive blasts or ballistic threats. By intercepting and mitigating the effects of spalling, these specialised linings help minimise the risk of injury to occupants and contribute to overall mission success in hostile environments. Continued research and development in spall liner technology are essential to further enhance crew survivability and vehicle protection in modern combat scenarios.
