Device, Materials & Impact Testing

Advanced Materials

UBC is at the forefront of advanced materials and manufacturing and has a long-established partner network through its Composites Research Network (CRN).  The mission of the CRN is to support and grow the composites industry and supply chain in Western Canada and beyond by improving capabilities in design, manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul.

UBC STAR has built upon the existing capabilities of the CRN to include: testing materials for ballistic and blast resistant armor, high-impact sports equipment, and the occupant protection components of an armoured vehicle.

Impact Testing

UBC STAR evaluates the protection performance of body armour and helmets using test methods specified by the US National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the UK’s Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB).  It can also evaluate injury potential from behind armour blunt trauma and assess the ballistic impact protection performance of helmets. The forces can be correlated to risk of injury such as skull fracture.