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A human-like resemblance

Australian engineers are working to determine exactly what happens to the human body when it is impacted by a bomb blast. To do this, they are developing an isomorph that closely resembles a human.

When a bomb explodes, high intensity pressure waves are released that can destroy a person's internal organs. Protective gear, such as that worn by soldiers, can make injuries worse if it is badly constructed.

So far crash-test dummies and cadavers have been unsuccessful in testing body armour. This is because dummies have no liquid in them to measure pressure effects, and tissue properties change after death making corpses far from ideal.

On the other hand, the isomorphs will be more human-like with skin made from reconstituted chamois leather, muscle and internal organs from gelatin and other lifelike substances. Bones will be made of calcium composite and membranes of silicone.

The team expects to have a complete isomorph soldier by the end of the year. Isomorph legs have already been sold to Canadian researchers who are testing military boots for protection against landmine blasts.

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