Stab resistance of bulletproof vests. A conceptual model of test bench

Technical University of Sofia, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Fundamentals and Technical Means of Design, Bulgaria

^* Corresponding author: svetlana_ianeva@tu-sofia.bg

Abstract

This paper presents a conceptual model of a stand to test the physico-mechanical characteristics of materials used in the soft panels of bulletproof vests for their stab resistance to cold weapons having a sharpened blade portion firmly and rigidly attached to handle. In the process of conceptual design of the model, the requirements and norms set out in two of the leading standardization documents used to determine the stab resistance of the bulletproof vests: the standard of the US National Institute of Justice -NIJ 0115.00, Stab Resistance of Personal Body Armor, and the UK Police Standard - HOSDB 2007. Part 3 -Knife and Spike Resistance, have been taken into account. 3D models of the stand and its individual constructive elements were developed, on the basis of which were offered real elements and devices for its elaboration. The designed stand is technologically accessible, inexpensive and easy to manufacture and install. It can be used to pre-determine the stab resistance of different types of materials and their combinations used in the soft panels of the bulletproof vests in the process of improving their structure. Availability of such stands in the equipment of the producers laboratories involved in this type of activity would reduce costs and shorten the evaluation time of the tested materials in order to verify their compliance with standard requirements since only samples showing the highest stab resistance will have to be sent for testing in certified and accredited laboratories.