IMPROVED BODY ARMOR IMPROVED BODY ARMOR

摘要

A body armor system having improved impact energy absorbing characteristics includes a projectile penetrant inhibiting layer (100) and an impact energy absorbing layer (200) positioned in overlying relation to one side of the projectile penetrant inhibiting layer such that the impact energy absorbing layer is adapted to absorb the impact energy from an incoming projectile. Th e impact energy absorbing layer spreads at least a portion of the impact energ y in the plane of the impact energy absorbing layer. An anti-spalling layer (300) is positioned on the opposite side of the projectile impact inhibiting layer. In another aspect of the invention, the impact energy absorbing layer contains a foam (45) to further enhance impact energy absorption. Additionally, a temperature stabilizing means such as a phase change materia l (41) is placed within the impact energy absorbing layer and provides thermal regulation. The phase change material may be placed directly within the impa ct energy absorbing layer.