Abstract
This paper presents the results of puncture tests on panels made of Twaron® fabrics SRM509. Tests were done with the help of the Instron 9340 drop-test machine for evaluating the influence of the number of layers and the striking energy level on the panel. There were tested panels with 16 layers to 40 layers and the energy levels were 24 J, 33 J and 43 J. The spike has the geometry recommended in NIJ Standard 0115.00 Stab Resistance of Body Armor. The failure mechanisms of the panels are presented at macro to micro levels, with the help of photos and images obtained with a scanning electron microscope.