This appendix contains the Phase I study findings. Phase I resulted in four findings that were submitted to the Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation in the Phase I letter report (NRC, 2009):
Finding 1. The procedure documented in “Internal Operating Procedure No. 001: Measurement of Backface Deformation [BFD] Using Faro® Quantum Laser Scan Arm and Geomagic® Qualify® for Hard and Soft Body Armor” (Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., Aberdeen Test Center, September 1, 2009) adequately describes the appropriate use of the laser scanning system.
Finding 2. Surface profilometry by a laser scanning system (including the testing protocols, facilities, and instrumentation) as currently implemented by the Army (or similar equipment), if used in accordance with the Army’s procedures, is a valid approach for determining the contours of an indent in a nontransparent clay material at a level of precision adequate for the Army’s current ballistic testing of body armor.
Finding 3. The digital caliper is adequate for measurements of displacements created in clay by the column-drop performance test: there is a well-defined reference plane, and one can visually see the surface of the clay, given that the depression is relatively shallow (approximately 22 to 28 mm) and fairly smooth.
Finding 4. The column-drop performance test (including the testing protocols, facilities, and instrumentation) is a valid method for assessing the part-to-part consistency of clay boxes used in body armor testing.
REFERENCE
NRC (National Research Council). 2009. Phase I Report on Review of the Testing of Body Armor Materials for Use by the U.S. Army: Letter Report. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press.
