Patent ID: 8096224

Claim:
A plural-layer composite armor system comprising a ceramic-embedded elastomeric matrix layer and a rigid backing layer, the ceramic-embedded elastomeric matrix layer including an elastomeric matrix material and plural spaced ceramic elements embedded in the elastomeric matrix layer, each ceramic element having a pyramidal front section and a prismoidal body section, the pyramidal front section and the prismoidal body section sharing a polygonal junction, the pyramidal front section having an apex, the prismoidal body section having a two-dimensionally textured back face, the two-dimensionally textured back face characterized by an at least substantially regular pattern of plural protuberances and a recessed surface, the protuberances at least substantially arranged in parallel rows and parallel columns perpendicular to the parallel rows, the ceramic elements arrayed so that the corresponding apexes are at least approximately situated in the same geometric plane, wherein the two-dimensionally textured back face is characterized by an at least substantially regular pattern of plural curved protuberances and a recessed surface, each curved protuberance being at least substantially characterized by curvature.