Clear Ballistics (Permagel)
Definition
A synthetic polymer-based ballistic test medium formulated to match 10% ordnance gelatin at 4°C. Optically clear (allows high-speed video of bullet penetration), does not require refrigeration. Calibrated with the same FBI BB drop test. Not formally recognised as a substitute in official FBI or NIJ testing but widely used in research and demonstration.
- Material
- Synthetic polymer gel
- Matches
- 10% ordnance gelatin at 4°C
- Advantage
- Optically clear, no refrigeration needed
- Calibration
- FBI BB drop test
- Official status
- Not recognised in official FBI/NIJ testing
Common questions
Why would a lab choose Clear Ballistics over traditional ordnance gelatin?+
It does not require the refrigeration, mixing time, or degradation management that animal-derived gelatin does, and its optical clarity lets researchers film the wound channel and projectile deformation directly, which is harder with the more translucent traditional gel.
Can Clear Ballistics results be used as formal proof of ammunition performance?+
Not for official certification testing, since FBI and NIJ protocols specify calibrated ordnance gelatin as the reference medium; Clear Ballistics is accepted for research, training and demonstration purposes where an equivalent, repeatable medium is sufficient.
Related terms
- 10% Ordnance Gelatin (FBI Protocol)
- Porcine or bovine gelatin at 10 g per 100 mL water, chilled to 4°C, calibrated with a 4.5mm steel BB at 590...
- 20% Ordnance Gelatin (NATO Protocol)
- Gelatin at 20 g per 100 mL water, at 10°C. Higher concentration produces greater penetration resistance, modelling the full human body including...
- Back-Face Deformation (BFD)
- The indentation left in Roma Plastilina No. 1 clay backing material behind an armour panel after a bullet impact that does not...
- IS 17051-2018
- The Bureau of Indian Standards specification for personal body armour, published 2018. Defines four protection levels tested against 9mm FMJ, 7.62x25mm Tokarev...
- NIJ Standard 0101.06
- The National Institute of Justice (US DOJ) body armour performance standard, published 2008. Defines five protection levels (IIA, II, IIIA, III, IV)...