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 structure, 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.