Analysis of 3D woven structure as a device for improving thermal comfort of ballistic vests

Purpose - This study presents the design, manufacture and evaluation of a type of 3D hollow woven structured as a mean for improving ventilation underneath ballistic body armour and thus, thermal comfort. Design/methodology/approach - By means of a computational fluid dynamic package, fluid flows through different cross-sectional tubular geometries were simulated in order to predict, which structural parameters of the 3D hollow fabrics are optimal to support ventilation. Findings - As the result of the computational analysis four optimised 3D hollow woven structures were selected and generated on a standard weaving loom. Originality/value - Investigation of thermal comfort of 3D ballistic vests.