Testing laboratory Hohenstein and DuPont™, a fabrics, fibers and nonwovens manufacturer, have collaborated to develop three comfort and mobility test methods for soft ballistic inserts for law enforcement and military body armor.
An interdisciplinary and intercompany team of DuPont and Hohenstein experts developed the test methods, which provide a reliable assessment of specific ergonomic comfort characteristics. “It is in the DNA of Hohenstein to get as close as possible to the user’s reality,” said Jan Beringer, Ph.D., senior scientific expert at Hohenstein. “Dedicated wear trials showed possible discomfort and movement restrictions. Then, in close collaboration, we leveraged decades of expertise to design tests and equipment that simulate the wearer’s experience.”
“To meet the critical needs of law enforcement and military personnel, maximizing comfort and flexibility in soft ballistic solutions is essential. Developing test methods to evaluate pain and mobility constraints is an important first step. By leveraging Hohenstein’s recognized expertise in textiles and wearability, we can advance these solutions to the industry and enhance wearer comfort, allowing personnel to perform their duties with greater efficiency,” says Christophe Djololian, global market development leader at DuPont.
Three comfort and mobility tests
- The Lower Costal Bending (LCB) test replicates the bending movement of an upper body. On duty, movements involving multiple bends lead to energy loss and accelerated exhaustion. The LCB test quantifies lost energy due to the stiffness of a ballistic garment.
- To maximize mobility, ballistic solutions must adapt to the wearer’s body. The Double Curvature Compression (DCC) test replicates the shape of a curved torso and uses digital imaging to assess the gear’s adaptability and mobility in applicable user situations.
- Where the edges of a ballistic vest meet the body on the lower abdomen, neck or arm the pressure can cause discomfort. The Edge Pressure (EP) test replicates the shape of the arm and the curvature of a ballistic vest. The EP test quantifies discomfort generated at localized pressure points.
The three test methods to characterize comfort and mobility constraints for soft ballistic applications are available from Hohenstein. “Depending on the requirements, we offer different solutions,” says Beringer, Ph.D. “Certified third-party and independent testing can be carried out by the experts in Hohenstein’s [Personal Protection Equipment] PPE labs, on specially designed equipment. The test devices are also available for purchase to facilitate product development by body armor manufacturers and solution assessment by end users.”
Hohenstein is a founding member and provider of OEKO-TEX® services and is certified by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission as a third-party, independent laboratory for CPSIA compliance verification.
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