A flexible, penetration resistant structure has a solids layer with a pattern of intersecting gap lines with critical gap cross section geometry, a flexible fiber or fabric layer backing, and a critical bonding layer attaching the solids layer to the flexible backing layer; where the gap geometry upon impact by a select penetrator type causes a controlled response and distributes impact energy in the structure, placing elements of the solids layer adjacent to the impact point mainly in vertical and lateral compression, the bonding layer mainly in shear, the fabric layer beneath the point of impact mainly in bending pressure, and the fibers within the fabric layer, particular those fibers perpendicular to the axis of the gap segment impacted, mainly in tension; and where the applicable class of penetrators is loosely defined as within a certain range of striking energy per unit area of penetrator contact area cross section.