Abstract: Steel ring confinement and prestress can significantly enhance the penetration resistance of ceramic materials. However, existing prestress techniques face limited engineering application due to their complexity and inefficiency. This study introduced a simplified truncated-cone-interlocking method that applies radial prestress to silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics through conical surface engagement. Prestress levels were controlled by ceramic insertion depth and pressing force. Integrated experimental, numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis approaches were employed to investigate the effects of interference fit, steel ring wall thickness, and material strength on prestress distribution in SiC ceramics and steel rings. Results showed that ceramic prestress increased nearly linearly with interference fit. Prestress remained stable even when stress exceeded the yield strength of steel rings. This allows relaxed machining tolerances for steel rings and ceramic targets, reducing production costs. Higher steel ring strength increases prestress potential and material utilization efficiency. When interference fit is constant, thicker steel ring walls raise ceramic prestress but introduce more weak points in penetration resistance. A validated numerical model accurately reflects prestress distribution in ceramics and steel rings. A theoretical formula precisely predicts prestress in the elastic stage, providing valuable guidance for engineering applications.