High Performance Visors
Abstract
Polycarbonate (PC) has been the material of choice for both military and commercial eye protection since its introduction nearly 40 years ago. PC is a clear, easily molded material with excellent impact resistance over a broad temperature range. It does, however, have several limitations; its impact properties are degraded by extended exposure to direct sunlight, it is attacked by common solvents, and its impact performance does not scale with thickness. This paper discusses the development of materials for two new visors, an all-plastic riot visor to replace an existing PC item and a glass/plastic visor to replace the existing acrylic/PC explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) visor. The goal for the riot visor is to improve the ballistic performance by 30% while maintaining or reducing the overall weight of the visor. The goal for the EOD visor is to produce an item that provides protection equal to that of the standard issue helmet while reducing the weight of the visor 30%, compared to the existing EOD visor. The approach is to investigate polyurethane (PU) materials for use in the all-plastic riot visor and to investigate the use of glass/plastic or plastic/plastic laminates using the PU materials to reduce the weight and increase the performance of the EOD visor. Issues addressed will include materials selection, bonding and fabrication, and ballistics evaluation The results of this effort are the ballistic characterization of the PU materials for use in both all plastic and glass/plastic systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA406301
Entities
People
- Melissa A. Klusewitz
- Peter G. Dehmer
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory