Ballistic impact

Ballistic impact is a high velocity impact by a small mass object, analogous to runway debris or small arms fire.{{cite journal |author1=WJ Cantwell |author2=J Morton | title=The impact resistance of composite materials -- a review | journal=Composites | year=1991 | volume=22 | issue=5 | pages=347–62 | doi=10.1016/0010-4361(91)90549-V}} The simulation of ballistic impacts can be achieved with a light-gas gun or other ballistic launcher. It is important to study the response of materials to ballistic impact loads.{{cite journal |author1=AR Boccaccini |author2=S Atiq |author3=DN Boccaccini |author4=I Dlouhy |author5=C Kaya | title=Fracture behaviour of mullite fibre reinforced-mullite matrix composites under quasi-static and ballistic impact loading | journal=Composites Science and Technology | year=2005 | volume=65 | issue= 2| pages=325–333 | doi=10.1016/j.compscitech.2004.08.002 }} Applications of this research include body armor, armored vehicles and fortified buildings, as well as the protection of essential equipment, such as the jet engines of an airliner.