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Shear Thickening Fluid–Based Protective Structures Against Low Velocity Impacts

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Shear Thickening Fluid

Abstract

Shear thickening fluid (STF)–based protective structures against low velocity impacts are discussed in this chapter. The different approaches adopted by researchers across different domains to improve the energy absorption or performance of STF-treated structures are studied thoroughly. In the first section, a systematic classification is provided to understand the subject matter in detail. Basically, two main routes are identified, one by enhancing the viscosity or shear thickening of the STF and the other, by adjusting the fabric parameters. Both routes aim at improving the interactive effect of STF and fabric structure. Shear thickening can be enhanced by altering the contents of STF either through change in materials, hybridization, or through incorporation of foreign additives. Fabric structure is altered through changes in fabric sett, weave, and architecture. Further, fabric frictional properties can also be enhanced by increasing the roughness of the surface through various means such as plasma treatment and growth of nanostructures, other than STF treatment. This chapter also briefs about the STF treatment procedure for fabrics meant for low velocity impact. Furthermore, this chapter discusses on the responsiveness of STF-treated fabrics against low velocity impact pertaining to knives, spikes, and blunt indenters. Finally, this chapter concludes with a review on the design and sequencing strategies of STF-treated fabrics for soft body armor intended for low velocity impact.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Textile Design, National Institute of Fashion Technology Shillong, Shillong, India

    Unsanhame Mawkhlieng

  2. Department of Textile and Fiber Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India

    Unsanhame Mawkhlieng, Mukesh Bajya & Abhijit Majumdar

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  1. Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Türkiye

    Selim Gürgen

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Mawkhlieng, U., Bajya, M., Majumdar, A. (2023). Shear Thickening Fluid–Based Protective Structures Against Low Velocity Impacts. In: Gürgen, S. (eds) Shear Thickening Fluid. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-25717-9_7

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