What is blunt trauma?
The blunt trauma or back face signature/back face deformation is the amount of rearward deformation the body armor will receive when struck abruptly by a projectile (bullet). Although the bullet may not penetrate the soft body armor, the part of the body directly behind the point of impact usually receives a “hammer-like” blow as a result of the deformation of the armor from the impact of the bullet, as it’s velocity and energy are dissipated. This blow can produce not only bruises and lacerations to the surface of the skin, but can produce damage to internal organs. Blunt TraumaBody armor can achieve proper performance criteria (the preclusion of penetration), however, as most people do not know, the armor can sustain a hit that will deform rearward or push the ballistic panels toward the body up to the allowable depth of 1.73″ inches (44mm). This is the maximum amount of blunt trauma allowed by the National Institute of Justice. A WORD OF CAUTION: Not all the newer, thin, lightweight
