Auxetic Textiles for Improved Blast / Ballistic Protection Navy STTR FY2012.A Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2012.A Topic No.: N12A-T012 Topic Title: Auxetic Textiles for Improved Blast / Ballistic Protection Proposal No.: N12A-012-0221 Firm: Luna Innovations Incorporated 1 Riverside Circle Suite 400 Roanoke, Virginia 24016-4962 Contact: Bryan Koene Phone: (540) 769-8400 Web Site: www.lunainnovations.com Abstract: Luna Innovations teamed with University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (UMD) is developing novel auxetic textile technology to provide improved protection for military soldiers. American soldiers are exposed to significant risk of injury and death from gun shots and blast from improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Whereas heavy protective armor exists, it is very bulky leading to thermal discomfort, additional weight, and difficulty in maneuvering. Lightweight armor, on the other hand, often does not have the level of protection required for ballistic and blast protection. Recent research in the area of auxetic textiles has demonstrated a remarkable enhancement in mechanical properties compared with conventional woven textiles. These novel textiles can absorb and disperse energy extremely well for enhanced protection from blast threats. This program will exploit these unique characteristics to provide the US military with lightweight protective garments having enhanced ballistic and blast protection. Benefits: This proposed research with auxetic textiles is part of an overall larger effort with protective textiles and fits well into the strategic focus of Luna. This program will demonstrate the feasibility for the simple production of these materials possessing exceptional mechanical properties with relevance to enhanced protection from bullet and fragmentation threats for protective body armor, composite armor for vehicles and aircraft, protective aircraft seats, and combat helmets. Return