1. Liquid Armor By: Daniel Rey Garza MEEN 3344

2. Liquid Armor Liquid armor uses a shear thickening fluid made up of hard silica particles suspended in polyethylene glycol. Since it is a liquid, it can be applied to fabrics to increase their strength such as currently existing Kevlar vests. Image of Silica nanoparticles

3. Properties/Applications Light and flexible. Very deformable. Can withstand a wide range of temperatures. Hardens under sudden application of pressure. Returns to a liquid form after pressure is released.

4. Comparison Kevlar fabric with shear thickening fluid, after impact by a fragment simulating projectile. Normal Kevlar fabric after impact by a fragment simulating a projectile.

5. How it works The shear thickening fluid acts similarly to wet cornstarch paste. As you move your finger through it slowly, it will act as a viscous fluid. If you forcefully move your finger, the cornstarch will harden preventing any further movement. After removing your finger, the cornstarch will return to it’s viscous behavior.

6. References http://www.rdecom.army.mil/rdemagazine/200402/itl_arl_ liquidarmor.html http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Science-Fiction- News.asp?NewsNum=108 http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,usa3_042 104.00.html