Laser-Induced Damage of UHMW-PE-Based Layered Ballistic Materials.

The laser-induced damage threshold properties of material structures play a key role in identifying and selecting optimum materials with the respective geometric configurations for laser shielding applications. The laser-induced damage mechanism is predominantly influenced by the absorption, thermal conductivity, and transition temperature characteristics of the materials. Ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) ballistic composite sheet structures, traditionally employed for conventional ballistic purposes, merit examination for their laser shielding capabilities, leveraging their established use in conventional shielding applications.