New Materials and Construction for Improved Helmets
Abstract
The feasibility of using several new armor materials in the development of combat helmets was demonstrated on the basis of laboratory tests for fragment protection capabilities and for durability. The materials considered were (1) phenolic/polyvinyl butyral bonded fabric of Kevlar, a high- strength, high-modulus aromatic polyamide fiber; (2) a rigid laminate of XP, a highly stretched polyolefin film; (3) polyester bonded glass fabric of LMLD, a low-modulus, low-density glass fiber; and (4) a composite system of XP encapsulated between laminated skins of polyester bonded glass fabric (GRP) and Kevlar fabric. Molding procedures were developed to obtain durable constructions without undue sacrifice of ballistic penetration resistance capabilities. The M- 1 helmet shapes were molded from all these materials except for the LMLD, the processing for which is the same as for ordinary fiberglass. These materials offer substantially improved protection capabilities against the broad weight range of anti-personnel munition fragments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA018958
Entities
People
- Alan M. Litman
- Anthony L. Alesi
- Joseph J. Prifti
- Richard P. Ames
- Roger A. Gagne
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory