For many years, various performance parameters, such as ballistic limit, critical velocity, proof velocity, and casualty reduction analysis have been developed to quantify the resistance of armour materials to projectile penetration. For the Canadian Fragment Resistant Vest Project, the need was raised to define a single ballistic performance parameter representing the average energy absorption capability of soft armour materials that takes into accoutn for personnel incapacitation. This paper describes the effective velocity (V_eff) method that tries to address this need. Experimental V_r-V_s data for different materials and projectiles combinations are submitted to the V_eff method. This paper shows how a high V_eff value translates into a high-energy absorption capability, and thus to an armour material stopping fragments more efficiently without catastrophic type failure. The Jonas-Lambert and the Johnson models are also shown to best fit the data overall. Finally, the limitations of the method are underlined and recommendations are made.
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