Abstract

The strain on a single FBG sensor, integrated into a single layer of Kevlar mounted behind a Kevlar soft body armor coupon, is measured throughout a ballistic impact event. The strain is collected through high-speed, full-spectral interrogation of the FBG during the event. The use of the wavelength shift and spectral distortion of the FBG provides a description of the strain profile and interaction between the optical fiber and Kevlar fabric. The measurements are correlated to high-speed camera images taken from the rear and side of the armor coupon. In future testing, this information can be applied to identify the sequence of energy dissipation mechanisms enacted within the armor to resist the ballistic impact.

© 2018 The Author(s)