Posted on 07/09/2010 5:37:29 PM PDT by Bad~Rodeo
A liquid armour has been shown to stop bullets in tests carried out by UK scientists at BAE systems in Bristol.
The researchers have combined this "shear-thickening" liquid with Kevlar to create a new bullet-proof material.
The company is keeping the chemical formula of the liquid a secret, but it works by absorbing the force of the bullet strike and responding to it by becoming much thicker and more sticky.
The BAE scientists describe it as "bullet-proof custard".
"It's very similar to custard in the sense that the molecules lock together when it's struck," explained Stewart Penny, business development manager in charge of materials development at the company. Shear-thickening liquids are not new to military research. The US Army Research Laboratories has carried out tests using similar liquids.
But, according to BAE, these latest tests provide the first clear evidence that liquid armour could effectively protect soldiers from bullets or shrapnel.
They say the liquid could ultimately
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
How is the weight vs kevlar? Are the liquid vests heavier?
“In standard bullet-proof vests, we use thick, heavy, layered plates of Kevlar that restrict movement and contribute to fatigue,” said Mr Penny”
I understood kevlar now was very light so maybe the liquid would be lighter.
The composition is still in the testing phase. The article claims that final product will be much lighter than kevlar
This sounds like my oatmeal.
...inverse thixotrophic liquid
It better not be plain old cornstarch and water, throw me a bone here people, I’m the boss!
Ping
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