Liquid Armor

By: Daniel Rey Garza

MEEN 3344

Liquid Armor

• Liquid armor uses a shear thickening fluid made up of hard silica particles suspended in

polyethylene glycol.

• Since it is a liquid, it can be applied to fabrics to increase their strength such as currently existing Kevlar vests. Image of Silica

nanoparticles

Properties/Applications

• Light and flexible.

• Very deformable.

• Can withstand a wide range of temperatures.

• Hardens under sudden application of pressure.

• Returns to a liquid form after pressure is released.

Comparison

Kevlar fabric with shear thickening fluid, after impact by a fragment simulating projectile.

Normal Kevlar fabric after impact by a fragment simulating a projectile.

How it works

• The shear thickening fluid acts similarly to wet cornstarch paste. As you move your finger through it slowly, it will act as a viscous fluid. If you forcefully move your finger, the cornstarch will harden preventing any further movement. After removing your finger, the cornstarch will return to it’s viscous behavior.

References

• http://www.rdecom.army.mil/rdemagazine/200402/itl_arl_liquidarmor.html

• http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Science-Fiction-News.asp?NewsNum=108

• http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,usa3_042104.00.html