Study of dynamic compressive responses of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene felt impregnated with shear thickening fluid

Abstract

In this study, the effect of high strain rate on the dynamic mechanical properties of shear thickening fluid (STF) impregnated felt of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was investigated by split-hopkinson pressure bar. UHMWPE felts are randomly oriented nonwoven fabric that holds each other due to inter-fiber coupling either by thermal calendaring or mechanical entanglement. Its lower areal density and highly porous structure can be utilized in lightweight ballistic resistance material. The junction points inside its porous structure make it easier to hold abundant STF. Shear thickening fluid was prepared by dispersing 100 nm dry silica powder into polypropylene glycol at 67.5 wt% concentration using probe ultrasonicator at 25 C. Rheological characterization of prepared STF was conducted using MCR702 advanced Anton Paar rheometer. It was done by performing a steady shear rate and thixotropy tests for shear thickening and structural regeneration behavior. Inhouse fabricated split-hopkinson pressure bar setup was used to evaluate dynamic compressive behavior at different strain rates by changing triggering pressure. It was found that STF impregnated felt shows a higher amplitude of strain rate augmentation and energy absorption than a neat felt. The impact energy absorption increases with increasing strain rate. However, the peak stress shows an opposite trend with an increased strain rate in STF impregnated felt.

Fabric Impregnation with Shear Thickening Fluid for Ballistic Armor Polymer Composites: An Updated Overview

“…From the perspective of the panels, Mishra et al [ 81 ], Tang et al [ 18 ], Zhang et al [ 148 ], Olszewska et al [ 168 ], Bajya et al [ 182 ], and Hasan-Nezhad et al [ 178 ] analyzed the ballistic performance of a lightweight armor vest under other condition, namely using UHMWPE or E-Glass fabrics. Further analysis can also be observed in Nayak et al [ 191 ], such as thermogravimetric analysis, rheological tests, and high-strain tests, which are beyond the scope of the present work.…”

Rate‐dependent mechanical response of polypropylene nonwovens

“…Just think of how quickly one must attach a disposable diaper to a toddler. When nonwoven materials are subjected to rapid loading in dynamic applications, the structural behavior is significantly altered due to the change in failure mechanisms at higher absorbed energy 6–8 . Moreover, in fibrous materials, the loading rate plays a vital role in drastically changing the mechanical properties.…”

“…When nonwoven materials are subjected to rapid loading in dynamic applications, the structural behavior is significantly altered due to the change in failure mechanisms at higher absorbed energy. [6][7][8] Moreover, in fibrous materials, the loading rate plays a vital role in drastically changing the mechanical properties. This is attributed to the inability of fibers to realign after deformation, leading to a ductile-to-brittle transition.…”

High Strain Rates Impact Performance of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Impregnated with Shear-Thickening Fluid

“…Following the removal of the impact force, STF reverts from its solid phase to its original liquid state [15,16]. Thus, a STF absorbs a large amount of impact energy, and can be extensively used in soft armor composite materials [17][18][19][20][21], vibration control [22][23][24][25][26][27], and other fields [28][29][30][31].…”