Dstl
University of Surrey

Sophie is investigating a novel approach to joining metals with ceramics to offer better protection to soldiers from new and existing ballistic threats.

Operational effectiveness must be balanced against demanding system weight requirements, which makes stopping modern projectiles increasingly challenging. Novel approaches to future armour engineering are required to fully realise the potential of current and future advanced materials in the role of armour systems. Sophie’s work could be a key enabler in addressing this challenge.

Interfacial bonding between metals and ceramics is a long-recognised technical challenge and Sophie’s project involves the development of a novel inorganic adhesive technique to address this. This research has the potential to enhance the performance of armour systems by joining dissimilar materials, aiding protection and enhancing defence capabilities. The engineered interface enabled by Sophie’s research avoids the use of conventional adhesives.

This technology has exploitation potential in wide-ranging applications beyond defence, including aerospace, commercial electronics and even space technologies.

Sophie graduated in 2017 from Queen Mary University of London with a degree in materials science and engineering. During which, in 2015, Sophie did an industrial placement at the Aluminium Company of America where she was introduced to the complexities of assessing armour performance. She is currently completing a PhD in armour interfacial engineering at the University of Surrey.