A Graphical Approach for Assessing High Strength Fiber Performance | NIST

The design and materials used for bullet-resistant body armor have evolved continuously to keep up with the threats. In this paper, a graphical approach is presented that plots the potential strain energy absorption of some common high-performance fibers relative to their sound velocities. These data emphasize the results of Roylance and Wang and Phoenix and Porwal that optimal ballistic performance in soft body armor applications arises from a balance between the specific strain energy absorption and sound velocity of the fiber. By comparing data in the literature on fibers used in ballistic applications, inferences can be made about how energy absorption and sound velocity may influence ballistic resistance. In addition, these types of comparison plots may provide critical insight as to how molecular structure can impact short and long-term ballistic performance.