Właściwości

Smart Fluid acts as a „flexible ceramic” material

Illustration of both high plasticity and exceptional shock absorption capabilities of Smart Fluid which combined allow to create a perfect protection for delicate objects (e.g. egg).

Smart fluid can be easily molded (even with hands) to create a protective shell around an egg or other fragile item. Such shell can easily withstand several hits with a hammer without allowing the shock to damage the egg. Immediately afterwards, it can be quickly removed (and reused if needed) to release the precious cargo.

Non-Newtonian fluids and their unique properties

Shear-thickening fluid (STF) technology is based on a step change in viscosity, which is seen as transition from liquid to solid state
At the very moment of impact (exertion of force) STF hardens in fractions of seconds and becomes a protective shield that dissipates the impact force
This process is reversible hence immediately after impact the material behaves like liquid again and is ready to take the next impact at the same point

Why energy dissipation matters

Equal layers of (A) Smart Fluid STF and (B) another leading shock absorption material available on the market based on non-Newtonian fluid

As the impact energy increases beyond small values typical for everyday threats, many Smart Fluid competitors can no longer protect from serious injury
Smart adaptative behavior of shear thickening fluid made by Smart Fluid allows it to respond stronger which results in markedly better protection

Practical testing of shock absorption properties

Our laboratories are equipped with instruments such as drop tower to perform on-site testing of shock absorption properties exhibited by various materials and composites

Evaluating protection against higher energy threats (e.g. objects moving at supersonic speeds) is carried out externally in a controlled environment

Prace nad technologią rozpoczęliśmy już w 2009 roku.

Na Politechnice Warszawskiej zrealizowane zostały projekty badawcze, których wynikiem były między innymi prototyp kamizelki kamuflowanej oraz elastyczne nagolenniki piłkarskie.