Simbex LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A14-017

Description

Vicitms of blast exposure can experience considerable polytrauma resulting from various modes of mechanical input. Although tolerance curves and new injury metrics have been developed to understand the response of the thorax to blunt impact, this research has been limited by focusing on either overpressurization or blunt impact effects. To further our understanding of human survivability to these complex conditions and to develop improved protective equipment, there is a need to collect real field data that quantifies both overpressure and blunt impact. Based on previous in blast dosimetry and impact monitoring, we have demonstrated a unique approach that utilizes a comformable thin film sensing material as multimodal sensor for simultaneous measurement of blunt impact force and blast overpressurization. The purpose of this effort is to leverage this existing work into high resolution universal blast exposure recorder (UBER) tape for use on complex and conformable surfaces.