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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.

What is the unique property of Kevlar that makes it effective in stopping bullets?

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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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