Shear thickening fluids for ballistic protection applications

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The hazards posed by shrapnel from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are of primary concern to the Canadian Forces. In order to meet these challenges, the continued incorporation of new materials and technologies is necessary in the development of more flexible, lightweight armour systems. The integration of Shear Thickening Fluids (STF) embedded in traditional ballistic fabrics is one such technology that could be practical. The physical characteristics of STF, which consists of fine solid particles suspended in a carrier fluid, which are advantageous for protective equipment is that the materials are field-responsive. This means that the materials will behave differently under various threats. For example, under the strain involved with normal motion, the fluids are able to flow and the armour would be flexible, however upon application of a high-strain-rate force such as a ballistic event, the materials stiffen to provide protection. This enables systems involving STF to potentially be utilized in limb protection systems for soldiers to meet contemporary shrapnel threats from IEDs. Additionally, such flexible protection systems could be of interest to police forces as well as private security personnel. The proposed research program consists of a comprehensive experimental and computational investigation of the fundamental behaviour of STF under high-strain rate dynamic loading while applying the same amplitude forces that are involved in ballistic events. The ballistic response of a variety of fluid-solid particle systems will be studied using single-stage light gas guns to determine the optimum system for protecting against ballistic impact threats. The application of STF technology to develop new field-responsive armours would be invaluable to the Canadian Forces, as well as to other security personnel.