We Need to Talk About Your Ceramic Plates

Published on March 27, 2022
Duration: 15:59

This video provides a comparative test of an RMA Armor SRT (Special Threat) plate against a Level 4 ceramic plate. The SRT plate is tested with 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm rounds, demonstrating its capabilities as an enhanced pistol plate suitable for lower rifle threats. The Level 4 ceramic plate, previously impacted, is also tested with 7.62x51mm and M855 rounds, highlighting its ability to stop heavier projectiles but also its tendency to fragment and spall significantly. The presenter emphasizes that ceramic armor's effectiveness can be compromised by prior impacts and discusses the trade-offs between protection level, weight, and fragmentation.

Quick Summary

The RMA SRT plate offers lighter weight and buoyancy, handling common handgun rounds and some lower rifle threats like 5.56. Level 4 ceramic plates provide superior protection against heavier rifle rounds but are prone to significant fragmentation and spalling, especially after prior impacts, which compromises their integrity.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Disappointment with Ceramic Armor Perception
  2. 00:43Introducing RMA Armor SRT Plate
  3. 01:11SRT Plate Capabilities & Limitations (Handgun vs. Rifle)
  4. 01:24SRT Plate Buoyancy Test Setup
  5. 01:39Testing SRT Plate with 5.56x45mm (XM193 Equivalent)
  6. 02:07SRT Plate Impact Analysis (5.56x45mm)
  7. 02:20Testing SRT Plate with 7.62x51mm NATO (M80 Ball)
  8. 02:44SRT Plate Impact Analysis (7.62x51mm NATO)
  9. 03:06Comparing SRT Plate Deformation to Ceramic Plate
  10. 03:11Testing Level 4 Ceramic Plate with 7.62x51mm NATO
  11. 03:41Ceramic Plate Impact Analysis (7.62x51mm NATO) & Fragmentation
  12. 04:07Ceramic Plate Damage & Spalling Discussion
  13. 04:25Comparing Ceramic Plate Damage to Poly Plate
  14. 04:34Testing Ceramic Plate with M855 (Not Rated)
  15. 04:54Ceramic Plate Penetration with M855
  16. 05:17Ceramic Plate Damage Analysis (M855 Impact)
  17. 05:35Recap of Test Results & Previous Ceramic Plate Tests
  18. 05:52Factors Affecting Ceramic Plate Performance (Distance, Prior Impacts)
  19. 06:38Ceramic Plate Mechanics: Stress, Cracking, and Energy Dissipation
  20. 07:08Prince Rupert's Drops Analogy for Ceramic Stress
  21. 07:30Compromised Ceramic Plates & Expected Spall
  22. 07:47Trade-offs: Level 4 Ceramic vs. Poly Plates (Protection vs. Fragmentation)
  23. 08:20SRT Plate as Enhanced Pistol/Low Rifle Threat Armor
  24. 08:43SRT Plate Not for Heavy Rifle Threats (Mosin-Nagant, AP)
  25. 09:02Weight vs. Protection: Heavier Poly Plates for Higher Threats
  26. 09:14Conclusion & Affiliate Links

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between an RMA SRT plate and a Level 4 ceramic plate?

The RMA SRT (Special Threat) plate is designed as an enhanced pistol plate that can handle some lower rifle threats like 5.56 and 7.62x39. A Level 4 ceramic plate offers higher protection against more powerful rifle rounds but is heavier and prone to significant fragmentation upon impact, especially if previously damaged.

How does prior damage affect ceramic body armor performance?

Prior impacts, even microscopic ones, compromise the structural integrity of ceramic armor. This pre-existing stress means the plate is more likely to crack and fragment extensively when struck again, leading to increased spalling and potentially reducing its overall protective capability against subsequent threats.

What are the advantages of an SRT plate like the one from RMA Armor?

SRT plates are generally lighter and often neutrally buoyant, meaning they won't significantly hinder flotation in water. They offer a good balance of protection against common handgun rounds and some rifle threats, making them suitable for specific tactical scenarios where mobility is key.

What is spalling in the context of body armor testing?

Spalling refers to the fragmentation of either the projectile or the armor material upon impact. When testing body armor, spalling often refers to pieces of the ceramic plate breaking off and being ejected, which can pose a secondary hazard to the wearer and others nearby.

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