Designing and Developing Parameters for Human Body Protectors Used by Indian Para Military Forces During Riots

Abstract

During the interactions with different defence departments on various subjects and services, it came to light that Indian para-military forces had been facing challenges and grieve risks of injuries while handling riots, protests and agitations. The current body protectors were heavy, bulky and not capable to protect them from sharp objects and chemicals thrown at them. This research work was focused on designing and developing specifications as well as body protectors which were lighter, provided protection from sharp projectiles hurled at high speeds and were better suited for both male and female troops. The thesis embarked upon collecting data from CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) from around 200 male and female troops. Sampling was done for various important parameters of body protector like comfort, fitting, hygiene and protection it provided. It was carried out across various battalions/units near Delhi and NCR. Post data collection and analysis, the study developed designs for male and female body protectors and parameters for resistance against stabs and other sharp objects. These suggestions had been approved by MHA and now are incorporated in the specification for government and defence procurements of body protectors of this kind. newlineThe study then identified the newer options in polymers. From 5 finalized polymers the best resulting polymer (75% polycarbonate and 25% copolymer of polypropylene) to make the outer shell of the body protector and EVA and polyethylene foam to make the inner padding of the body protector were selected. The study also designed and developed first of its kind stab and impact-resistant machine for testing a body protector as per German Standard VPAM KDIW: 2004. The research had resulted in the industrial production of newly developed body protectors. Kolkata police had ordered 276 female body protectors and CRPF 1200 body protectors for male soldiers. Other paramilitary forces are also sending procurement orders for these newly developed body protectors. These results and researched specifications could lay the road for future improvements on the body protectors to make them more compact to be wearable under the clothes, better contoured and additional sizes for different body structures. The thesis could also be used in educational institutes and industries for further analysis and improvements in other aspects of body protectors. newline newline