High density ceramic bodies and composite armor comprising the same

A ceramic pellet for use in a ballistic armor plate, said ceramic pellet comprising:

• a body portion, comprising:
• an axis;
• a cross-sectional shape that is symmetrical around the axis;
• and
• an end portion representing a terminus of said body portion, said end portion having an outer surface comprising a first and second section, wherein:
• said first section has a convex curvature;
• said first section is spaced from said body portion, and said first section contains a body portion axis extending there-through;
• and
• said second section extends around said body portion axis, said second section is located between said first portion and said body portion;
• and said second section has a first annular edge at or adjacent to said first section and a second annular edge at or adjacent to said body portion;
• wherein said second section has a configuration such that substantially each intersection between said second section and planes including a body portion axis extends in a straight line or a configuration such that substantially each intersection between said second section and planes including said body portion axis extends in a line that has a concave curvature when viewed from the exterior of said pellet;
• and an end portion;
• wherein an average radial distance from said body portion axis to said first annular edge of said second section is at lest 5% less than an average radial distance from said body portion axis to said second annular edge of said second section.