Application of non-Newtonian fluids in energy-absorbing systems
The project investigated and thoroughly explored the properties of non-Newtonian liquids in energy-absorbing systems to match market and industry needs
Project title
Application of non-Newtonian fluids in energy-absorbing systems
Name of Beneficiary/Beneficiaries
Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology
Name of programme
Joint Undertaking of the National Centre for Research and Development and "Tango" National Science Centre
Competition
TANGO
Project value
PLN 1,132,000
Funding value
PLN 982,000
Project delivery period
from 01 October 2015 to 31 March 2019
Meet our team
Our research group is concerned with preparing, characterising, and applying non-Newtonian fluids, primarily shear-thickened fluids (STF). The team members come from the Faculty of Materials Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Department of Structural and Functional Materials. The team consists of the scientific staff of the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering and students working on their engineering, master's and doctoral theses.
View the results of our work
What problem is addressed by the project?
The project investigated and thoroughly explored the properties of non-Newtonian liquids in energy-absorbing systems to match market and industry needs. The shear thickened liquids used in the project are examples of non-Newtonian liquids, characterised by a reversible step-change in viscosity under the influence of a critical shear rate, which classifies them into the group of smart materials. Consequently, when subjected to a violent impact, their properties change from those typical of a viscous liquid to those characteristics of a solid. During the course of the project, it became apparent that the liquids not only had unique properties, but the protective structures produced from them were also very comfortable to use due to the viscous nature of the liquid used. As a result, more than 14 protective structures have been developed, which has helped determine our material's direction. Not only methods of producing liquids but also methods of applying liquids to the desired structure and adjusting their properties to market needs have been developed. Thanks to the knowledge gained in the project, it was possible to implement the results in the industry and learn about the unique properties and potential of shear thickened liquids.
Who uses the project results?
Recipients and potential customers interested in cooperation in the field of shear thickening fluids may be primarily the following industries: sports, automotive, security, military, etc. Any industry for which the protection of life and property is a priority can confidently be interested in the results of our project.
As a result of the completed project, new energy-absorbing impact products will be developed, which has the effect of broadening the industry's protection and safety offering. Implementing new technology and target products, such as protective armour for the military, inserts for sports clothing and footwear, protection of equipment and property, etc., will improve everyone's quality of life. It will also increase the safety of society through universal access to improved protection products, whether for politicians, the uniformed services, citizens engaged in competitive or amateur sport or using equipment that needs protection. The results of the project were implemented in Smart Fluid Sp. z o. o. and Gedeon Sp. Jawna.