Blunt Force Trauma & Hard Armor

Published on September 15, 2017
Duration: 13:10

This test evaluates the blunt force trauma and penetration resistance of 20-year-old SAPI plates against various rifle and shotgun rounds. While the plates stopped all tested rounds, significant energy transfer was observed, particularly with the 7.62x39mm, .30-06, and 12 Gauge slug. The plate eventually failed after two close-proximity shots from an AK-47, highlighting the importance of multi-hit capability and plate age.

Quick Summary

This test evaluates the blunt force trauma and penetration resistance of 20-year-old SAPI plates against various rifle and shotgun rounds. While the plates stopped all tested rounds, significant energy transfer was observed, particularly with larger calibers. The plate eventually failed after two close-proximity shots from an AK-47.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Setup
  2. 01:585.56 FMJ Test
  3. 03:317.62x39 FMJ Test
  4. 05:02.30-06 Springfield Test
  5. 06:1012 Gauge Slug Test
  6. 07:17Multi-hit and Failure Test
  7. 08:17Armor Dissection
  8. 09:09Retesting 5.56 Energy Transfer

Frequently Asked Questions

How does blunt force trauma affect body armor performance?

Blunt force trauma is the energy transferred to the body even when a projectile is stopped. This test shows that larger calibers like 7.62x39mm, .30-06, and 12 Gauge slugs cause significantly more deformation in clay (representing blunt force trauma) than smaller rounds like 5.56x45mm.

Can old body armor still be effective?

This test used 20-year-old SAPI plates which successfully stopped multiple rifle and shotgun rounds. However, the significant blunt force trauma observed and the eventual failure point suggest that age can impact performance and multi-hit capabilities.

What happens when body armor fails?

In this test, the SAPI plate failed after two close-proximity shots from an AK-47. The rounds then penetrated the plate and impacted the clay and cinder block behind it, demonstrating the critical importance of multi-hit ratings and understanding armor limitations.

What is the internal construction of a SAPI plate?

The SAPI plate tested, when dissected, revealed a layered construction. It features a hard ceramic strike face designed to shatter incoming rounds, backed by multiple layers of woven Kevlar to catch fragments and absorb residual energy.

Related News

All News →

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Kentucky Ballistics

View all →