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Published on: September 21, 2017
Assessing behind armor blunt trauma (BABT) under NIJ standard-0101.04 conditions using human torso models
Andrew C Merkle1, Emily E Ward, James V O'Connor
1The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland, USA.
The Journal of Trauma
|June 12, 2008
Summary
This study shows a human surrogate torso model (HSTM) can better assess behind armor blunt trauma than current clay tests. The HSTM effectively measures thoracic response to ballistic impacts, offering improved insights into body armor performance.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Current body armor testing uses clay to measure deformation, which may not fully represent behind armor blunt trauma.
- Nonpenetrating thoracic injuries are a concern despite soft armor's ability to prevent penetration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a physical Human Surrogate Torso Model (HSTM) for assessing thoracic response to ballistic impacts.
- To compare HSTM performance with traditional clay-based testing under National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Standard conditions.
Main Methods:
- Ballistic impacts were applied to the HSTM over the sternum and stomach.
- Pressure sensors within the HSTM measured wave propagation, and a Human Torso Finite Element Model (HTFEM) analyzed tissue displacement.
- Experiments and simulations adhered to NIJ Standard test conditions.
Main Results:
- Clay deformation showed relatively constant increases (2.3-2.7x Level I) across higher threat levels.
- Pressures measured within the HSTM significantly increased (3-7x Level I) with higher threat levels, varying by organ.
Conclusions:
- The HSTM effectively differentiates between ballistic threat levels, impact conditions, and locations.
- The HSTM and HTFEM can identify pressure and displacement variations based on protection level, tissue, and impact proximity.
- This research provides valuable data on energy transfer and pressure wave propagation during ballistic impacts using a physical and computational human torso model.
