Novel Tactical Ballistic Shield Technology: A Blast Injury Mitigation Evaluation

Geoffrey Thor Desmoulin; Marc-André Nolette

doi:10.3849/aimt.01234

Authors

Geoffrey Thor Desmoulin University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; GTD Scientific Inc., Vancouver, Canada
Marc-André Nolette GTD Scientific Inc., Vancouver, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3849/aimt.01234

Keywords:

blast, shield, injury, biomechanics, tactical

Abstract

This study investigates the performance of a shield appliqué technology designed to protect the user from blast injury. This technology was compared against three other ballistic shields of varying mass using a fixed charge configuration. An instrumented anthropomorphic test dummy (ATD) was used along with pressure sensors to determine injury risk. Results showed that lighter shields offered less protection than their heavier counterparts with higher probability of head, chest, arm and leg injuries. Additionally, when comparing the appliqué to a mass-matched shield, relevant loadings were reduced on average by 21 %. Overall, the ballistic shield appliqué technology shows promise for becoming a tool for blast mitigation in the short to medium term.

Author Biographies

Geoffrey Thor Desmoulin, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; GTD Scientific Inc., Vancouver, Canada

HLCol Geoffrey T. Desmoulin, PhD, RKin. (#2012080)

Dr. Desmoulin is the Principal and Senior Biomechanist of GTD Scientific Inc. (www.gtdscientific.com). GTD offers Biomechanical Consulting Services on behalf of clients throughout North America, as well as abroad. Focused practice areas include Injury Biomechanics, Incident Reconstruction and Physical Testing with a sub-specialty in the Science of Violence^TM. GTD is retained in significant complex injury litigation cases and is contracted to perform injury related product investigations regularly.

In addition, Dr. Desmoulin was selected from an international pool of applicants to be the science and engineering host for Viacom Networks hit television show “Deadliest Warrior”. In this high-profile position he assessed engineering aspects and injury potential of weapons used throughout history. The series filmed thirty-three episodes (1-hour format) and continues to air throughout the world in over sixteen countries and thirty-two different languages.
Marc-André Nolette, GTD Scientific Inc., Vancouver, Canada

Mr. Nolette has been an Associate Engineer at GTD Scientific (www.gtdscientific.com) for the past five years. To compliment his Mechanical Engineering history, Mr. Nolette also has a Master's Degree in Kinesiology and expertise in physiology and medical research. The combined backgrounds has allowed him to be involved in the following practice areas of the company: Research and Development, Injury Biomechanics and Incident Reconstruction.

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