Energy Absorption in a Shear-Thickening Fluid

This study investigates energy absorption in a shear-thickening fluid (STF) containing nano-size fumed silica as a suspending material. Fumed silica particles in 20, 30, and 40 wt.% were used in polyethylene glycol and ethylene glycol. Three areas were studied, namely: energy absorption of STF pre-impregnated aramid fabric, neat STF under high-velocity impact, and flexible foam soaked in STF under low-velocity drop weight impact. Results showed moderate energy absorption in STF pre-impregnated aramid fabric compared to dry fabric. High-velocity impact tests also revealed higher fabric weave density, and multi-layered target plays vital role in optimum performance of SFT impregnated targets. High-velocity impact tests on the neat STF showed good energy absorption at velocities near STF critical shear rate. Low-velocity drop weight impact test on flexible foam soaked in STF also indicated significant energy absorption.