US Patent 9335129 Armor composite with expansible energy absorbing layer

Designs and methods are provided for a hard armor panel with enhanced energy absorption. In one embodiment the hard armor panel includes a rigid strike plate having a front side and a back side, the front side facing an anticipated ballistic threat; and a consolidated ballistic fabric backing also having a front side and a back side, the front side of the ballistic fabric backing adhered to the back side of the rigid strike plate. The armor panel may further include an energy absorbing layer attached to or incorporated within the hard armor panel, wherein the energy absorbing layer is made of a deformable material configured with an energy absorbing pattern.