Related Sections: Future Tech
New liquid armor to protect heroes' limbs, joints
A new technology in body armor is under development, one the Pentagon hopes to use to replace the cardboard "plz don't shoot" signs they've been equipping the troops with for the past couple years. Shear Thickening Fluid (STF) is a liquid armor that turns extremely hard and spreads itself out when punctured or struck with a high-velocity object, such as a bullet. Because of the liquid nature of the armor, it's very flexible and easy to wear, unlike the stiff, heavy armors currently in use. This allows it to provide a more complete coverage, protecting elbows and knees that were previously exposed. This flexibility makes STF armor versatile enough to be used in body armor, helmets, vehicles, bomb blankets, and other objects at high risk for getting shot/stabbed/exploded. The new technology should hopefully start seeing some use in the field by the end of this year… that is if there's still a war going on by then. Just kidding, of course there will be!
Via Gizmag
By Wolfie23 at 10:38 PM ON 05/04/07
If that will be like us sending in some of Anubis' Kul soldiers then that would be awesome.
By Roger at 7:31 PM ON 07/15/08
I am looking forward to this for civilian use like in motorcycle jackets.
By astrix at 12:14 PM ON 12/20/08
Hi,i want to know we build armored cars we use ballistic and mild steel welding is 1,5 inches and then a 1,5 inch gap,can you use this product to fill up the gaps can you please respond to me with this matter urgently thanks
By Tacoma at 2:54 PM ON 07/30/09
Astrix: This armor material will be prohibitively expensive and may have the same post-hit weakening properties of Kevlar. So you may not want to armor a car with it for the same reasons you don't want to armor a car with Kevlar.
If it's a liquid contained in tiny cells, made into a fabric, then there may be leakage. Once the fabric is pierced the bullet would hit the liquid, which then stiffens in response. After the shock the liquid would either remain stiff, and limit mobility, or would relax and leak out the tears in the fabric. Either way that section of fabric would need to be replaced or patched.
That said, some people will wish the best protection at any expense, and a car with replaceable panels of this stuff that just slides into place may be possible. But replacement of the armor sheets would be a regular maintenance task, especially after any hit.
I'm interested in how well the liquid distributes the shock. It could easily see applications in recoil compensation and luxury car shocks. But if it doesn't do a good job distributing the shock then the suit wearer will still suffer devastating injuries.
By LuxSato at 1:02 PM ON 11/24/09
Roger: There is stuff currently in production that I believe has already been made into a motorcycle jacket, look up d3o.
Tacoma: This is regular kevlar just treated with a non-newtonian like substance, so there is no leakage or weakening unless the fabric is actually penetrated.
on your cellphone!
Text DVICE to 72434
editor@dvice.com
LuxSato:
Roger: There is stuff currently in production that I believe has already been made into a motorcycle jacket, look u...More »