INVESTIGATION OF SHOCK WAVE PROPAGATION IN SOFT TISSUE SIMULANTS: AN ANALYSIS OF BALLISTIC GELATIN AND SYNTHETIC BALLISTIC GEL

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of shock waves on soft tissue simulants, focusing on ballistic gelatin and a synthetic ballistic gel. Although extensive research has focused on the mechanical properties of soft tissue simulants, their behavior under shock wave conditions, such as those caused by blasts, is less understood. As explosives are increasingly used in modern combat scenarios, it is essential to study how shock waves interact with soft tissue. This knowledge is crucial for improving protective equipment and evaluating blast effects on the human body. A two-phase methodology was applied: First, ballistic gelatin production and synthetic gel composition were analyzed, identifying uncertainties and measuring sound speeds at varying temperatures to align with human tissue properties. Second, simulants were subjected to free-field shock waves, and embedded pressure sensors captured wave propagation, peak overpressures, and propagation velocity. Findings provide comparative insights into simulants’ shock wave responses, offering a foundation for future experimental setups.