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How do bulletproof vests work? - Max G. Levy

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TEDEd Animation

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By 1975, Richard Davis had been shot at close range 192 times. But not only was he completely healthy, each of those bullets were part of a demonstration to sell his new product: the bulletproof vest. So, how does such a light, flexible piece of clothing stop a bullet? The secret was a synthetic fiber material invented a decade earlier. Max G. Levy explores the incredible strength of kevlar.

Consider how polymer technology has contributed to society beyond just Kevlar. In what ways have the consequences been both good and bad?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Max G. Levy
  • Director Vitalii Nebelskyi, and action creative agency
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Storyboard Artist Sofia Pokorchak
  • Animator Vladyslav Molodan
  • Art Director Maryna Buchynska
  • Illustrator Kseniia Romashchenko, Sofi Avlova
  • Music Cem Misirlioglu
  • Sound Designer Cem Misirlioglu
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Produced by Sazia Afrin
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
  • Fact-Checker Charles Wallace

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