The phenomenon addressed by the term involves the fracturing of protective vests upon ballistic impact, specifically referring to a standardized testing protocol or performance level where the energy of the impacting projectile exceeds the vest’s capacity to contain it without generating potentially harmful secondary projectiles. This fracturing can result in shards of the armor material becoming dangerous projectiles themselves, posing a risk of injury to the wearer. A representative scenario involves a high-velocity projectile striking a vest not rated to withstand its energy, leading to material break-up and subsequent fragment dispersal.
Mitigation of this hazard is paramount in body armor design and testing. Historically, the evolution of body armor has centered on improving materials and construction techniques to minimize this effect. The ability to limit fragmentation significantly enhances the protective value of the vest, reducing the likelihood of severe injury or fatality. Prioritizing this aspect during development and certification processes is essential for ensuring the safety and efficacy of protective equipment.
