Posted on 10/10/2010

 This seminal paper from the Van Vliet research group at MIT describes work carried out to investigate the mechanical properties of tissue surrogates under ballistics energy densities. A selection of synthetic surrogates were investigated, and their peoperties were compared to those of biological tissues. The paper states that 'Although the velocities investigated here are still low compared to ballistic tests (mm/s compared to ~m/s), the impact strain energy densities are high (0.4–20 kJ/m3) and comparable with macroscale impact tests such as pneumatic gun and falling weight impacts designed to replicate ballistic conditions'

 The work done enabled quantification of resistance to penetration and energy dissipative constants under the rates and energy densities of interest for tissue surrogate applications.

 Reference

Dynamic impact indentation of hydrated biological tissues and tissue surrogate gels, Z. Ilke Kalcioglu et al, Philosophical Magazine, Volume 91, Issue 7- 9