Thermal Effects of Design and Materials on QuadGard™ Body Armor Systems

Abstract

QuadGard™ arm and leg protection systems were developed to better protect key areas of arms and legs from blast fragments. The purpose of this investigation was to use sweating thermal manikin Walter™ and examine the intrinsic clothing insulation (Rcl), intrinsic clothing evaporative resistance (Recl), micro-climate temperature, and moisture retention of three QuadGard™ systems (QG II, QG IV Ventilated, and QG IV Not Ventilated) constructed with two ballistic materials, Dyneema® and Kevlar®. With similar protection level, the ballistic material Dyneema®, consistently measured lower in Rcl and Recl than the ballistic material Kevlar®, indicating body armor made with ballistic material Dyneema® is more comfortable. There was no significant difference between QG II and QG IV Ventilated in Rcl and there was no significant difference between the three armor systems in Recl. This indicated that design features have the potential to reduce thermal stress on the human body when protective clothing is necessary.