Shock Pulse Absorption using an Elastomeric Structure Enhanced with Non-Newtonian Fluid

Non-Newtonian fluids have unique properties which may make them ideal materials to be used in the manufacture of safety equipment. Different types of materials have widely differing properties, and researchers are only now beginning to investigate the physical properties of these various materials. Two different forms of impact experimentation were selected for the ongoing investigation, hammer blow testing and air cart collision testing. Specialty pucks were manufactured, along with control specimens for physical property determination. Normalized energy absorption in collision was recorded against the frequency of the response for 19 different materials. In general, the non-Newtonian fluid filled pucks exhibited peak energy absorption levels at lower frequencies than the control specimens. If this positive result can be confirmed through more extensive testing, then these materials could be incorporated into a variety of safety equipment, improving their ability to protect people and devices.