Skip to main content

How do bulletproof vests work? - Max G. Levy

295,289 Views

789 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

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.

Biology also creates polymers, such as cellulose, that are not as strong as Kevlar. In what situations might it be better to use (or replicate) natural polymers, rather than creating wholly synthetic ones?

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

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

More from How Things Work