BAE Systems tests liquid armor

Sept. 23, 2010
BAE tests liquid armor.

Resources:
BAE Systems, www.baesystems.com

Soldiers might soon have lighter, slimmer, and more-flexible armor that lets them move more easily but still protects them from bullets and shrapnel. Dubbed liquid armor by its developers at BAE Systems, Arlington, Va., the new protective material incorporates shear thickening fluid (STF) and Kevlar. The liquid is a proprietary mix of nanoparticles, possibly silica or sand, suspended in a nonevaporating fluid like polyethylene glycol. STF, a non-Newtonian fluid, stiffens milliseconds after it is struck. And when it stiffens, it locks the strands of Kevlar yarn in place, making the Kevlar more resistant to penetration and letting it spread the force of impact over a larger area. In tests, 10 layers of Kevlar treated with STF provided more protection than 32 layers of Kevlar alone.

© 2010 Penton Media, Inc.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 24, 2025
When a leading material handling equipment supplier needed a specialized drive solution, Parvalux delivered a custom motor and gearbox combination engineered to meet their exact...
June 24, 2025
Ideal for companies with large quantities of pallets and trays, automated shuttles are driven by electric motors along rails inside warehouses to maximize capacity and create ...
June 24, 2025
Conveyors can be a cornerstone of modern industrial operations, alleviating the burden on workers and increasing efficiency. Choosing the right set-up ensures an effective, productive...
June 24, 2025
Using conveyor belts, in-line weighing, dimensioning and label application technology, sorting systems efficiently direct packages and letters to designated locations for distribution...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!