Bulletproof vests consist of a vest cover and a ballistic layer, effectively protecting the wearer from bullets or shrapnel. They primarily achieve protection by absorbing and dispersing the bullet's kinetic energy and can be categorized into three types: soft, hard, and a combination of both.
The protective principle of bulletproof vests varies depending on their structure:
Soft bulletproof vests: Made of multiple layers of high-strength fiber fabric (such as Kevlar or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene), they stop pistol bullets and shrapnel through the stretching, breaking, and energy dispersion of the fibers.
Hard bulletproof vests: Use hard materials such as metal or ceramics, which dissipate the bullet's energy through material deformation and fragmentation, providing protection against high-velocity rifle bullets.
Combined soft and hard bulletproof vests: Combine hard ballistic plates with soft ballistic layers. The hard materials, such as ceramics, first break up and dissipate most of the bullet's energy, and then the fiber layers absorb the remaining energy, providing a higher level of protection.
Body armor can be categorized by purpose into infantry body armor, flight personnel body armor, artillery body armor, etc.; and by appearance into types such as bulletproof vests, full-protection body armor, and women's body armor. Modern body armor is also trending towards modular design, facilitating equipment carrying and improving comfort and flexibility.
