ASTM E3107/E3107M-23 PDF

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Justice standards and specifications require assessing the penetration resistance and backface deformation of ballistic-resistant body armor. 5.2 This test method may be used by private-sector and government laboratories, manufacturers, research and development organizations, and others assessing the ballistic resistance of body armor or performing research and development of new materials. 5.3 It is intended that this test method be referenced by other standards, specifications, or test methods. SCOPE 1.1 This test method addresses resistance to ballistic penetration and to backface deformation (BFD) for ballistic-resistant torso body armor and shoot packs. 1.2 This test method is intended for testing of soft body armor, hard armor plates, in conjunction with armor, and shoot packs mounted on a clay block as the backing assembly. Note 1: This test method does not apply to ballistic helmets, inserts, trauma packs, trauma plates, or accessories. 1.3 The test method does not specify performance criteria or usage of the test results. 1.4 This test method does not address conditioning of test items. 1.5 It is anticipated that this test method will be referenced by certifiers, purchasers, or other users in order to meet their specific needs. 1.5.1 Purchasers and other users will specify the ballistic test threats to be used. Within this test method, the reference defining the ballistic test threats is called the “test threats document.” 1.5.2 In this test method, “other standards and specifications” and “unless specified elsewhere” refer to documents (for example, military standards, purchase specifications) that require the use of this test method. Purchasers and other users are responsible for the “other standards and specifications” and for specifying any requirements that supersede those of this test method. 1.6 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined. 1.6.1 The user of this standard will identify the system of units to be used, and it is critical to ensure that any cross-referenced standards maintain consistency of units between standards. 1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.