Body armor for stab and spike protection, Part 2: a review of test methods

Abstract

In many countries, stabbing is still the most common cause of homicide. It is difficult to quantify the magnitude of the force used in a stabbing incident by an alleged assailant. Pathologists describe the stabbing force using relative subjective terms, such as mild, moderate, considerable or severe. More precise objective evaluation of the severity of stabbing is very important for quantitative understanding of stab wounds and for scientific assessment of the effectiveness of stab-resistant armor. In this perspective review, the standard objective methods used for the quantification of the protection provided by the stab and spike or puncture resistant materials are described. In addition, the nonstandard test methods developed by various research organizations have also been discussed. This paper is a follow-up to the previous paper (Body armor for stab and spike protection, Part 1: scientific literature review) published in the Textile Research Journal. Special emphasis has been given to the recent developments in both test standards and experimental methodologies used to evaluate stab and spike protection. This paper has systematically reviewed the standard test methods used for evaluating the stab and spike protection performance of body armor for comparisons. Furthermore, the backing materials, which are used for stab and puncture resistance tests to quantify the back-face deformation, were highlighted. Also, the approach for the wearer’s trial to predict the performance was discussed. This paper will provide guidelines to researchers, manufacturers and defense department working in the area of design and fabrication of body armor systems.

Stab-Resistant Polymers—Recent Developments in Materials and Structures

“…While these tests are standardized, several research groups show experiments according to modified test parameters, such as different blade shapes, different impact energies, or quasi-static tests with different sample holders than specified in the respective standards, leading to the necessity to carefully interpret the results achieved with different test equipment [ 24 ]. Generally, quasi-static tests, as also mentioned in the NIJ Standard 0115.00, are performed on universal test machines, with usually the upper clamp holding a standardized blade, while the lower clamp is exchanged by either a sample holder in which the investigated sample is clamped, or by a backing of different foams and sponges as in the dynamic tests.…”

Evaluating the resistance of metal reinforced multi-layer textile structure against penetration of sharp objects

“…Recently, the studies on the protection against sharp objects have been taken into consideration by many researchers. Nayak et al (2018Nayak et al ( , 2019a have reviewed scientific literature and test methods of investigating stab and spike protection properties of body armors. In this study the materials used in stab and spike resistant vests, mechanics of the attacking process, and protective mechanisms in the mentioned vests, were discussed.…”

Ballistic performance of novel design of bulletproof plates inspired by biomimetic approaches

“…In addition, bulletproof equipments are used in defense technologies such as people and valuable equipment transport vehicles. [1][2][3] Thanks to advancements in manufacturing technology, ballistic protective armors, bulletproof clothing, and shockproof equipment have become more common in recent years. User expectations for ballistic-resistant systems have changed as armor technology has progressed.…”