DuPont launches testing protocols to evaluate the comfort of body armors

DuPont (DD) announced the launch of three innovative testing protocols that set a new benchmark for evaluating the comfort and mobility of soft ballistic body armor. Developed in collaboration with independent textile research and testing institute Hohenstein, the testing methods are designed to simulate real-world movements and situations to identify discomfort levels and mobility constraints faced by law enforcement and military personnel. Three Comfort & Mobility Tests have been developed: Lower Costal Bending Test simulates upper body bending motions common in active duty, and measures energy loss due to armor stiffness, which can lead to accelerated fatigue in the field; Double Curvature Compression Test replicates a bent torso to assess how well ballistic materials conform to the body’s complex curves. High conformability = enhanced freedom of movement; Edge Pressure Test evaluates localized pressure points at the vest edges, such as the lower abdomen, neck and arms, which are often causes of discomfort. These test methods were developed in collaboration with Hohenstein, a German-based research institute with strong expertise in textile testing and ergonomics.