Attenuation of Low-Density Projectiles by Fabric in High-Rate Impacts

Authors: William Lindahl, Karthik Somasundaram, Frank Pintar, Medical College of Wisconsin; Carolyn Hampton, Michael Kleinberger, US DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory

Abstract

Protective clothing can mitigate injuries from high-rate impacts, particularly from low-density projectiles such as sand, rocks, and debris. This study evaluated the velocity attenuation effects of denim and nylon fabrics when impacted by spherical projectiles of varying sectional densities. Building upon previous work quantifying skin penetration thresholds using porcine limbs, this study assessed whether fabric interaction alone—prior to tissue contact—can meaningfully reduce projectile energy. Taut denim reduced projectile velocity more effectively than loose-fit configurations or nylon. Attenuation percentage was inversely related to both initial velocity and projectile sectional density. These findings may inform the design of protective clothing for military and industrial applications, particularly where nonmetallic fragment threats are prevalent.

Type: Short Communication

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