The objective of this study was to perform a biomechanical assessment of female body armor. Analysis of case studies, review of existing standards and experimental testing was conducted. Recommendations were made for the revision of the current NIJ 0101.04 standard for the certification of body armor.

Case studies were acquired through the IACP/DuPont Kevlar Survivors’ Club® database. Six female cases and a cohort of ten male cases were reviewed using an injury survey and medical records. The results indicate that injuries reported by females were more severe than those seen in the male counterparts. Two cases showed more localized injuries, termed ballistic punch.

Experimental testing was conducted based on a modified test standard. Testing with certified clay demonstrated that the area above the breast region is susceptible to penetration. Diameter and volume were found to best distinguish the differences between threat level, and three types of craters were observed:​ blunt ballistic trauma, ballistic punch, and penetrating. Additional testing with ordnance gelatin was conducted to determine a deflection corridor. Based on this testing, a 140-gram non-penetrating projectile at a velocity of 40 m/s was used to simulate the behind-armor impacts to determine the dynamic force and deflection responses of female cadavers. Biomechanical corridors were developed based on these responses.

The results of the cadaveric assessment indicate that females would sustain AIS 3 injuries while males would sustain AIS 2 injuries. Most female injuries were ballistic punch injuries as opposed to blunt ballistic trauma injuries. Statistical analysis determined that the force and deflection responses between males and females were statistically significant (p<0.05).

Several injury criteria were reviewed in order to determine the best predictor of injury. Using logistic regression, Blunt Criterion was determined to be the best predictor of AIS 3 injuries for female specimens. Finally, an evaluation of a blunt ballistic surrogate was conducted.

Recommendations were made for revision of the NIJ 0101.04A Standard, including testing the transition area in order to reduce penetrations in this critical area of the vest, incorporating dynamic measurements, and using Blunt Criterion to differentiate tolerances based on gender and weight of the intended user.