Liquid armor. Car armor - liquid armor Protect
Brief experimental results of assessing information on the topic “Liquid Armor”,
(carried out by NPF "TECHINKOM" as part of research work in 2005)
The task of creating elastic armored clothing with varying rigidity is still in the development stage among developers. There has been interest in this area since 2000, when reports of positive results of searches in this area appeared in the media, in special publications and on the Internet.
An analysis of US literature and patent sources over the past 20 years has shown industry interest in the so-called STF (shear-thickening liquids) or STC (shear-thickening compositions) - viscous liquids exhibiting inverted quasi-thixotropic properties. An abrupt increase in viscosity when the pressure or shear rate exceeds a certain critical level is called the ST (shear-thickening) effect.
The first publications on the topic of the ST effect date back to the period 1972-75. (Lee, Reder, Hoffman).
The main publications on the topic of "liquid armor" in the literature and the Internet are links and discussions of the work "Perfect individual armor protection using ST - liquids" by Y.S Lee, R.G. Erges, N.J. Wagner (Center for Composite Materials and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware), E.D. Wetzel (Army Research Laboratory and Weapons and Materials Development Division, US Aberdeen Proving Ground).
The authors of the work made the following conclusions:
- the ballistic resistance of Kevlar fabric is improved by impregnation with ST-liquid;
- comparison with impregnation with ordinary Newtonian fluids showed that the presence of the ST effect is a necessary condition for increasing ballistic resistance;
- the amount of energy absorption is proportional to the volume of liquid in the bag;
- a package of ballistic fabric impregnated with ST liquid, compared to an equilibrium dry one, shows almost the same ballistic resistance, however, with a smaller number of layers and greater flexibility;
- the effect of improving ballistic properties when a fabric package is impregnated with ST-liquid is explained by an increase in the friction force between the threads due to a sudden increase in the viscosity of the liquid with an increase in shear load under the influence of the striking element.
Analysis of other publications makes it possible to identify other principles for obtaining elastic protective structures with varying rigidity under ballistic influence and, at the same time, to identify a range of questions that require answers to continue research.
In connection with the above, the purpose of the work was to assess the reproducibility and practical significance of published research results, and to search for alternative ways to obtain effective elastic ballistic protection.
In the experimental part, the following tasks were solved:
1.2.1 Conduct an experiment using domestic materials to assess the effect of impregnation with ST-liquid on the actual ballistic (anti-fragmentation) resistance of the Rusar fabric package.
1.2.2 Assess the effect of ST-liquid on the anti-concussion properties of the HMO fabric package.
1.2.3 Conduct an experimental comparison of the effect of impregnation with elastic polymer compositions and ST-liquid on the protective characteristics of soft compositions - anti-fragmentation resistance and ZLKT in order to identify differences in the mechanisms of action of the striking element on both types of obstacles.
1.2.4 Determine directions for further work regarding the study of the possibility of creating transformable elastic protection.
Bags of ballistic aramid fabric Rusar art are taken as the basis of an elastic structure with varying stiffness. 56319 of 30 layers, providing anti-fragmentation resistance V50>550 m/sec.
As a composition that provides the ST effect, a composition similar to that used in the work of Y.S Lee, R.G. was used. Erges, N.J. Wagner, E.D. Wetzel: ethylene glycol - silicon oxide in a ratio close to 1:1.
As alternative impregnating compositions, the following were used: a thixotropic composition based on silicone rubber, maintaining a constant viscosity for an unlimited time, thermoplastic elastomer adhesives with constant stickiness of the melt and water-emulsion application methods, and a polyurethane water-emulsion dispersion.
As an alternative ballistic structure, a multilayer orthotropic UD structure based on untwisted Rusar threads and adhesive compositions was studied. The preparation of UD structures was carried out on a special pilot plant for the production of unidirectional prepreg from untwisted threads (see Figure 1).
Rice. 1 - Pilot installation of NPF "TECHINKOM" for producing UD-structures from aramid fibers; development of the process of obtaining UD structures from complex Tvaron threads.
The unidirectional prepreg tapes obtained in this way were laid layer by layer at an angle of 0°/90° into bags and pressed at a temperature of 120-160°C and a pressure of 5-10 kg/cm2 to obtain a structure of a given surface density (see Figure 2).
Rice. 2. Materials based on UD structures from aramid fibers Tvaron (4) and Rusar (1-8):
1. rolled UD layer based on untwisted Rusar thread;
2. rolled orthotropic material Rusar based on two UD layers;
3. rolled UD layer based on untwisted Rusar thread with a layer of PE film;
4. UD-structure based on Tvaron thread;
5. orthotropic prepreg made of two Rusar UD layers;
6. sparse orthotropic prepreg Rusar;
7. multilayer orthotropic elastic ballistic structure Rusar based on UD layers;
8. multilayer orthotropic rigid composite based on UD layers and PU binder.
The average speed of fragments, ensuring non-penetration of the protective composition with a 50% probability, was taken as an indicator characterizing the anti-fragmentation resistance of the composition.
Analysis of the results of determining the anti-fragmentation resistance of protective compositions generally confirms the previously known fact about the negative effect of impregnations of fabric bags on the anti-fragmentation resistance
A sample, which is a bag impregnated with a dispersion of nanosized silicon oxide particles in ethylene glycol, essentially repeating the experiment described in the work discussed, as well as a sample in which SiO2 is replaced by an Al2O3 dispersion with particle sizes 1-2 orders of magnitude larger showed equally low result.
It is not possible to discuss the obtained result from the standpoint of the work, since the work does not provide data on the V50 indicator, which is the basis for determining the ballistic properties of soft protective packages.
The results of assessing the anti-concussion properties of protective compositions do not provide additional information about the existence of a positive anomaly in the properties of fabric bags impregnated with the ethylene glycol-silica composition. When fired from a PM pistol under the same conditions, the protective compositions behaved very similarly - in the absence of ventilation and shock-absorbing support (VAP), the concussion using the gelatin and plasticine methods exceeded the permissible second degree. Accordingly, when using VAP, standard for Russian body armor (15-20 mm polyethylene foam rollers), the degree of contusion was reduced to acceptable or lower. When using VAP, the configuration of a dent in a plasticine block undergoes changes towards expansion in area and decrease in depth. A similar picture is observed for the UD structure with smaller differences in geometric parameters due to the low deformability of straightened, parallel-laid high-modulus fibers in the layers.
It should be taken into account that the experimental conditions to study the influence of the ST effect on the ballistic properties of the ZK cannot be completely identical to the conditions of the cited work, especially in terms of sample preparation, however, the criteria given in it, namely: the type of particles, their sizes, concentration and type of dispersion The environments are reproduced, in our opinion, completely. More detailed characteristics of the studied ST composition are not given in the work discussed.
As for UD structures, what is noteworthy is the stable result in terms of V50, which meets the TTZ requirements for modern domestic body armor with an aramid content of up to 40% less than in serial protective compositions based on Rusar art fabric. 56319. In particular, the sample is, in our opinion, of interest when impregnated with an uncured silicone composition, since, along with satisfactory anti-fragmentation resistance, it has practical hydrophobicity because The porous hydrophilic fibrous structure of Rusar is completely isolated from moisture, located in a layer of hydrophobic silicone polymer. The uncured silicone composition, having one of the lowest surface tension values, ideally wets the surface of the fibers, fills the entire interfiber space and displaces air and moisture even in the event of a temporary violation of the integrity of the coating layer.
Conclusion.
1. Using domestic materials, an experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of impregnation with the ST composition on the anti-fragmentation ballistic resistance of a Rusar fabric package. The data obtained to date indicate a negative effect of this impregnation on the ballistic resistance of the package.
2. The influence of the ST composition on the anti-contusion properties of the HMO tissue package was assessed. The result does not support the published findings.
3. The negative results obtained in this work are not final. They may result from:
- the conditions for preparing samples and conducting the experiment are not identical to the conditions of the prototype;
- erroneous choice by the authors of the publication of the purpose of using the ST effect and incorrect setup of the experiment and conclusions.
The authors’ use of the terms “ballistic tests” and “ballistic resistance” when describing the experiment they conducted and interpreting the results raises objections. Tests with a fragment simulator were carried out by the authors at speeds below the ballistic limit. Consequently, the effect of ST impregnation on the armor penetration of a soft package has not been studied. Those. the actual ballistic properties were not studied, and conclusions were made only on the basis of a qualitative comparative study of the dissipative properties of Kevlar fabric bags with and without ST-composition impregnation. The result, confirmed by the experiment in the work, may indicate the possibility of reducing closed local contusion injury (CLCT) when using ST-liquid impregnation. However, as noted above, there is well-known data on the improvement of the dissipative properties of protective fabric packages when impregnated with compositions having viscoelastic properties. Impregnation with elastic polymer compounds allows for satisfactory performance properties, since it affects the flexibility of the bag within acceptable limits. At the same time, during a blunt impact, the mechanically vitrified polymer promotes the distribution of energy over the surface, reducing the density of the energy impact and the CLCT.
Even a package of ballistic fabric saturated with water, with a blunt impact, in some ranges of impact velocities and masses can exhibit higher dissipative properties. This is explained by an increase in the share of the inertial component of the protection due to an increase in the mass of the package, as well as the manifestation of the viscoelastic behavior of a low-viscosity liquid (water) under normal conditions when flowing under high pressure through a system of microcapillaries formed by the interfiber space. However, the anti-fragmentation resistance and stability of fabric packages impregnated with polymers, and, especially, wet ones, to puncture by a sharp indenter is reduced. Therefore, a contradictory formulation of the problem arises. On the one hand, the elasticity of the armor is necessary for ease of operation and retention of low-energy destructive elements - small fragments and pistol bullets. On the other hand, rigidity is needed to redistribute energy over a large surface to reduce the CLKT from pistol bullets and long-barreled weapon bullets while not penetrating the protective composition, which includes armor panels of various designs. The inconsistency of the task can be reduced precisely by a package with varying rigidity.
4. Research on the ST effect and the development of protective structures must be continued as part of a separate research project in order to accurately determine the areas and possibilities of practical application.
5. An experimental comparison of the influence of elastic polymer compositions on the protective characteristics of flexible protective structures - fabric and UD - was carried out. The advantage of UD structures over fabric structures has been established. Equilibrium UD and fabric protective structures demonstrate similar results in terms of anti-fragmentation resistance with a significantly lower (20-40%) content of aramid threads in the UD structure, which is of practical interest. Due to the lower content of aramids, the technical and economic indicators of UD structures in the production of elastic armor panels and substrates for composite ceramic armor panels are more promising.
6. The conducted research made it possible to outline research in terms of studying ST-compositions and studying the possibility of creating transformable elastic protection, as well as one of the ways to further improve protective structures for NIB using UD technology.
For a long time, man has dreamed of reliable protection for his mortal body - on the battlefield, when conducting risky experiments, in various extreme situations. For centuries, the role of such protection was performed by armor, armor, chain mail, all kinds of shells and shields. But metal protective equipment had a significant drawback - significant weight, as well as structural rigidity, which to a large extent hampered movement.A certain breakthrough occurred at the turn of the 60s of the last century, when the structure of the American company DuPont produced synthetic fiber Kevlar - a lightweight material that was many times stronger than steel due to the peculiarities of intermolecular bonds. Kevlar fabric became the basis for body armor that saved the lives of more than one operative. However, body armor actually only protects the chest and back, leaving many other vital human organs vulnerable.
And now science seems to be on the verge of creating ideal protective clothing. In laboratory conditions, the so-called “liquid” armor was obtained - an impenetrable gel synthesized on the basis of nanotechnology.
Milliseconds make all the difference
Liquid armor is a mixture of solid nanoparticles with a non-evaporating liquid. At first it was supposed to use the new product as an additional layer, a kind of lining for body armor. But scientists soon came to the conclusion that the fabric itself could be directly impregnated with this filler.
Under normal conditions, liquid armor does not manifest itself in any way. Clothes remain flexible without restricting movement. But with a sharp energy impact, for example, when hit by a bullet or struck by a dagger, the nanoparticles become active and, by bonding with each other, create a super-strong film. Moreover, the formation of a new structure occurs instantly, in less than one millisecond after the impact. It is significant that in this case the entire impact energy is no longer focused on the tip of the bullet or knife, but is distributed evenly over a large area of hardened tissue.
With the advent of liquid armor, there is a real opportunity to reliably protect not only the human torso, but also other parts of his body - the neck, wrists, feet, elbow and knee joints. In fact, a person becomes invulnerable.
And further. After the external energy influence is removed, the hardened gel again turns into a liquid state, and the tissue becomes flexible again. And if the blow is struck again, the “smart” nanorobots will again turn the overalls into an impenetrable shell. And this will continue as many times as the situation requires.
Safety for the Black Shark
Reliable reports of the first successes towards the creation of liquid armor appeared in the open press in the summer of 2006. It is known that the pioneers in this matter were two American research teams: the group of Professor Norman Wagner from the University of Delaware and scientists from the US Army Research Laboratory led by Eric Wetzel. Professor Wagner explained the essence of the phenomenon this way: “The particles are compressed, forming tiny clusters that trap anything that tries to penetrate through them. In addition, the hardening gel holds the individual fibers of the tissue together, preventing them from scattering under the influence of a penetrating object.”
Similar work is being carried out in leading countries of Western Europe, as well as in Japan and China. There is information that in Israel, samples of tungsten-based nanoarmor stopped projectiles flying at a speed of
1.5 km/sec. At the point of impact, a pressure of up to 250 tons per square centimeter was created, but the nanoarmor confidently withstood this monstrous blow.
In Russia, the problems of liquid armor are being studied in Yekaterinburg. There is no need to emphasize that all this work is classified. However, it is known that our scientists are working on a program to enhance the protection of the Black Shark and Alligator helicopters.
We are waiting for a visit... the invisible man
Liquid armor is predicted to have a great future. After all, the scope of its application is in no way limited to law enforcement agencies. Firefighters and rescuers, athletes and stuntmen, miners and sappers are waiting for liquid armor...
Liquid armor can make a real revolution in the field of road safety, protecting drivers and passengers in vehicle accidents. Not only people, but also equipment: cars, helicopters, boats will receive additional protection, which, in turn, will create an additional guarantee of saving people in emergency situations.
But when will this miraculous novelty enter our everyday life? Military analysts believe that, despite the first positive results, the practical implementation of this idea is still a long way off. However, in twenty years, protective clothing based on nanotechnology will no longer be a novelty.
However, liquid armor is just the beginning. Hundreds of other unique materials with specified properties will appear, where nanorobots will build atoms like bricks. It is assumed, in particular, that nanocoatings will be created that turn a person invisible. A light beam falling on a special suit will pass through a system of nanotubes and come out on the other side without losing its intensity, as if there were no obstacles in its path. In the same way, it will be possible to make any object invisible, regardless of its size.
And, conversely, with the help of the same nanotechnologies, it becomes possible to create the visibility of many objects literally from scratch: moving columns of troops, equipment, flying aircraft...
Truly, amazing times await our civilization. Author: V.Nehiporenko
The main means of protecting personnel from bullets and shrapnel is currently body armor. Over the past decades, it has gone through a considerable path of evolution, but in the end, only three versions of its design, to some extent interconnected with each other, became most widespread. Thus, body armor based on metal plates, Kevlar and combined, are used, in which Kevlar sheets are interspersed with plates of the corresponding metal. Attempts are regularly made to adapt ancient developments, such as, for example, lamellar armor, to protection against bullets, but so far it has not been possible to achieve much success in this field.
The main problem of modern body armor is the “weight – quality of protection” ratio. In other words, a more reliable body armor turns out to be heavy, and one that has an acceptable weight has a too low protection class. By the way, this is exactly the problem that Kevlar was supposed to solve. In the 70s of the last century, during research it was found that tightly woven Kevlar fabric, laid in several layers, effectively dissipates the energy of a bullet over its entire surface, due to which the bullet cannot pierce the entire Kevlar package. Combined with a plate of a suitable metal (such as titanium), this property of Kevlar fabric has made it possible to create relatively lightweight body armor that has the same protective properties as all-metal ones.
However, Kevlar-metal body armor also has its disadvantages. In particular, it still has significant weight and considerable thickness. In the case of soldiers' combat work, this can be of great importance: the soldier is forced to carry additional weight on his shoulders, which could be used to take more ammunition or supplies. But in this case you have to choose between payload and health, if not life. So the choice is obvious. Scientists around the world have been struggling to solve this problem for decades, and there has already been some success. In 2009, almost sensational news appeared. A group of English scientists led by R. Palmer developed a special gel called D3O. Its peculiarity is that when struck with significant force, the gel becomes harder, while maintaining its relatively low weight. In the absence of any impact, the gel pack remained soft and flexible. D3O gel was proposed to be used in body armor, special modules for protecting vehicles, and even as a soft lining for soldiers’ helmets. The last point looks especially interesting. According to Palmer, a helmet with such lining will be bulletproof. Does he really not know what price WWI soldiers paid for bulletproof helmets? However, the British Ministry of Defense became interested in the gel and awarded Palmer's laboratory a grant of 100 thousand pounds. In the three years since then, news about the progress of work has regularly appeared, photo and video materials from testing the next version of the gel, but the finished helmet or vest with D3O has not yet been demonstrated.
A little later, a similar gel was demonstrated to representatives of the DARPA agency. The American analogue of D3O was developed by Armor Holdings. It works on exactly the same principle. Both gels are essentially what physics calls a non-Newtonian fluid. The main feature of such liquids is the nature of their viscosity. In most cases, these are liquid solutions of solids with relatively large molecules. Due to this property, a non-Newtonian fluid has a viscosity that directly depends on the velocity gradient. In other words, if a body interacts with it at a low speed, it will simply drown. If a body hits a non-Newtonian fluid with a sufficiently high speed, then it will be slowed down or even thrown away due to the viscosity and elasticity of the solution. A similar liquid can be made even at home from plain water and starch. Such properties of some solutions have been known for a very long time, but the use of non-Newtonian liquids in protection against bullets and shrapnel came relatively recently.
The latest successful “liquid armor” project was created by the English branch of BAE Systems. Their composition Shear Thickening Liquid (working name bulletproof cream) appeared in 2010 and is planned for use not in its own form, but in combination with Kevlar sheets. For obvious reasons, BAE Systems does not disclose the composition of its non-Newtonian fluid for body armor, however, knowing physics, certain conclusions can be drawn. Most likely, it is an aqueous solution of some substance(s) that has the most suitable viscosity characteristics for high impacts. In the Shear Thickening Liquid project, things finally came to the creation of a full-fledged body armor, albeit an experimental one. With the same thickness as a 30-layer Kevlar vest, the “liquid” vest has three times fewer layers of synthetic fabric and half the weight. In terms of protection, the “liquid body armor” with STL gel has almost the same protection as 30-layer Kevlar. The difference in the number of fabric sheets is compensated by special polymer bags with non-Newtonian gel. Back in 2010, testing of a ready-made experimental gel-based body armor began. For this purpose, experimental and control samples were fired upon. The 9mm bullets of the 9x19mm Luger cartridge were fired from a special air gun with a muzzle velocity of about 300 m/s, which is somewhat similar to most types of firearms chambered for this cartridge. The protection characteristics of the experimental and control body armor turned out to be approximately the same.
However, body armor with liquid protection has a number of disadvantages. The most obvious one lies in the fluidity of the gel under normal conditions: it can leak through the bullet hole and the level of protection of the vest will be significantly reduced. Additionally, a non-Newtonian fluid or gel cannot completely absorb or dissipate all of the bullet's energy. Accordingly, a significant improvement in performance is only possible with the simultaneous use of Kevlar, liquid bags, and metal plates. Obviously, in this case there may not be a trace left of the weight advantages, of course, if you compare such a vest with only a Kevlar one. At the same time, a slight increase in weight can be considered a completely adequate price for improving protective properties.
Unfortunately, so far not a single example of body armor or other protection using the principles of non-Newtonian fluid has left the stage of laboratory testing. All research organizations involved in this problem are primarily working on increasing the protection efficiency of liquids/gels and reducing their density in order to reduce the overall weight of the body armor or helmet. From time to time, unverified information appears that this or that sample is about to be sent to British or American units for trial operation, but so far there has been no official confirmation of this. Perhaps the security forces of foreign countries are simply afraid to trust the lives of fighters to a new and, frankly speaking, technology that does not yet look reliable.
Significant progress has been made in the development of exoskeletons for US special forces. Exoskeletons are designed to enhance the strength and security of soldiers. Also, exoskeletons can help save the strength and health of a person dressed in a suit (the exoskeleton operator), for example, when knocking down doors or participating in a combat clash.”
The project under development includes:
- suit - exoskeleton
- systems that increase strength and strength
— additional protection
Highly efficient Liquid Piston motor
Liquid Piston is developing several small rotary internal combustion engines running on the "High Efficiency Hybrid Cycle" (HEHC). The cycle combines a high compression ratio (CR), constant volume combustion (isochoric combustion) and overexpansion. The new engine is based on the first law of thermodynamics. The theoretical coefficient of performance (efficiency) of the engine is 75 percent. The innovative rotary motor design allows for potential efficiency of 60 percent and shaft efficiency of more than 50 percent. Because this engine does not have poppet valves and the gas is fully expanded before the exhaust stroke begins, the engine can run quietly. By analogy with the Wankel rotary engine, the “X” engine has only two main moving parts - a shaft and a rotor, which allows the motor to be compact in size, as well as have a low level of vibration during operation. But, unlike the Wankel engine, the X motor is designed to operate on a “High Efficiency Hybrid Cycle”, which results in its efficiency and low noise level. The result of the work done is a fuel-efficient, compact, lightweight and quiet engine with low vibration levels.
Specifications:
— high specific power — up to 2 horsepower
- 30% smaller and lighter for spark ignition (SI) gasoline engines
- up to 75% smaller and lighter for compression ignition (CI) diesel engines
In exoskeletons, motors will only be used to recharge batteries.
Liquid armor
A statement issued by the US Department of Defense's Special Operations Command (SOCOM) outlined some of the potential technologies being developed for TALOS exoskeletons:
- improved armor
- command and control computers
Power generators
Increased mobility of exoskeletons
According to preliminary estimates, the cost of the TALOS program is $80 million.
TALOS exoskeletons will be equipped with a physiological subsystem equipped with sensors to monitor general body temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, body position, as well as hydration levels.
Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Polish developers are working on creating a “liquid body armor”
MIT scientists are developing the next generation of armor called "liquid body armor."
“Liquid body armor” under the influence of a magnetic field or electric current transforms from a liquid to a solid state in milliseconds.
Scientists from a Polish company that produces body armor are working on creating a body armor based on non-Newtonian fluid.
The fluid is called Shear-Thickening Fluid (STF). STF does not fit into the category of Newtonian fluids such as water, where the force required to move the fluid must increase exponentially and the resistance to flow varies with temperature. In contrast, STF hardens on impact regardless of temperature, providing protection against penetration by high-velocity projectiles and dispersing the impact over a large area.
The exact composition of STF is known only to the Moratex Institute and inventors from the Military Institute of Weapons Technology in Warsaw. Ballistic tests have already proven the STF's resistance to a wide range of projectiles.
“We needed to find and develop a liquid that could stop a bullet traveling at a speed of 450 m/sec. and higher. We succeeded,” said Deputy Director for Research at the Moratex Institute, Marcin Struzczyk.
Struzchik said that, compared with traditional Kevlar-based protection, the fluid's ability to stop an impact, combined with less surface deformation upon impact, provides a higher level of safety for humans.
“If a traditional body armor is attached to the body, then a 4-centimeter indentation of the vest upon impact can lead to sternum injuries, sternum fracture, myocardial infarction and fatal spleen injuries,” Struzchik emphasized.
“Thanks to the properties of the liquid and special inserts, we have reduced this threat by 100 percent - we have reduced the indentation depth from four centimeters to one.”
When struck by a high-velocity projectile, a large area of STF instantly hardens, causing the enormous energy from the impact to be dispersed far away from a person's internal organs.
To install liquid into body armor, the development of special inserts is required. However, the company says they will be lighter and provide police and military officers with a wider range of motion than standard inserts.
The laboratory is also working on creating a magnetorheological fluid, which scientists also hope to use in their developments.
According to the researchers, both liquids, in addition to being used in body armor, can be used in the production of professional sports inserts, and even entire suits. They can also be used for car bumpers or road safety barriers.
During combat, bullets and shell fragments pose a serious threat to the health and life of soldiers. In order to protect personnel, already during the First World War, attempts were made to create effective means of protection. During the Great Patriotic War, elite units of the Red Army were equipped with armored cuirasses, which had minor protective properties. Due to its heavy weight, the armored cuirass too constrained the fighter’s movements. Soon the first bulletproof vests appeared. Over the past decades, this protective agent has evolved intensively. However, as practice has shown, metal, Kevlar and combined body armor have disadvantages that need to be improved. Today in Russia, the United States and Great Britain, scientists are working to create such a substance? like liquid armor. What it is? What is it for? This article will help you find answers to these questions.
A little history
Armored cuirasses were replaced by body armor. These protective equipment were created on the basis of lead plates. Compared to previous products, “armored armor,” as the military often calls them, had better protective properties, but weighed 20 kg, which was their significant drawback. Gunsmiths have repeatedly made attempts to create body armor based on ancient developments. However, with lamellar armor the protective properties were not fully ensured. With the advent of Kevlar, the weight problem was partially solved. In addition, judging by the reviews, Kevlar body armor is very convenient to use. It would seem that the problem has been solved and we can stop there. However, scientists went further and decided to use nanotechnology in the production of protective equipment. Liquid armor, according to experts, is today considered the substance that plans to replace lead and Kevlar in the near future.
Tasks assigned to military scientists
According to experts, the strength, even of Kevlar armor, is directly proportional to the mass and has its limit. The fighter will be reliably protected from a bullet, no matter how much penetrating power it has, if he is dressed in heavy armor. In the production of conventional body armor, multilayer Kevlar is used. The protective equipment also contains additional metal and ceramic inserts. The weight of the Kevlar armor was reduced from 20 kg, as was the case with lead armor, to 11 kg, which also significantly limits movement. With ammunition, weapons and food, a fighter in 11-kilogram armor is under a lot of pressure. Therefore, the “weight-strength” problem is one of the most pressing for military scientists in some countries. The invention of liquid armor was a breakthrough in the creation of personal protective equipment.
Getting to know new material
Liquid armor is a special substance, namely a colloidal solution containing solid nanoparticles. This concept, which makes it possible to replace armor plates and protective fabrics with liquid, is the same for countries such as Russia, the USA and England. The differences affected only its implementation.
What's the point?
Military experts are convinced that liquid armor is ideal for body armor. In creating new means of protection, it was decided to use the feature of a colloidal substance, which is the ability of the gel to quickly harden.
Thus, if a bullet hits this liquid, an impulse is formed that transfers its energy to the gel. As a result, the liquid armor will harden. A similar effect is observed if the energy is generated not from a bullet, but from a sharp blow. How quickly hardening occurs directly depends on the force with which it was applied.
About Russian development
Liquid armor, as the new body armor is also informally called, has been developed in Russia by the Yekaterinburg Military-Industrial Complex Venture Fund since 2006. According to military experts, a new type of body armor will appear on the market in the near future. Liquid armor is represented by a protective gel that contains liquid filler and solid nanoparticles. When a bullet hits the armored vehicle, it will quickly seize. As a result, a solid composite material will form. This feature of the gel is only possible if it interacts with a special fabric. Information about what kind of material this is and what structure it has has not yet been disclosed by Russian developers.
About the advantages of protective gel
If we compare standard body armor with liquid armor, the latter has one significant advantage - upon impact, energy does not concentrate at one point, but, on the contrary, it is distributed over the entire surface of the fabric. As a result, in addition to the pleasing significantly improved protective characteristics, bruises and hematomas on the fighter’s body are eliminated with the new body armor. A completely opposite effect was observed with conventional lead and Kevlar body armor.
About the weaknesses of protective equipment
Despite the presence of undeniable advantages, liquid armor is not without some disadvantages. According to experts, several samples have already been created, but they have proven themselves only with a small-caliber bullet. The new type of body armor will not withstand a sniper rifle or machine gun. In addition, scientists noted that if water gets on the armor plate, it will lose its protective properties by about 40%. Initially, this fact was a problem for Russian developers. But then they decided to use a moisture-proof film, which contains the new bulletproof vest. Additionally, a special water-repellent composition, invented earlier, is provided for liquid armor. It covers the protective equipment before placing it in film.
Liquid insulation "Armor"
And in conclusion - a little about other armor. Today, in building materials stores, many different insulation materials are presented to consumers. Judging by numerous reviews, liquid thermal insulation “Armor” is very popular.
This substance is a suspension, practically indistinguishable in appearance from white acrylic paint. Apply to surfaces using regular brushes or airless sprayers. In a liquid state before polymerization, it resembles paint, but when it dries, it forms a special coating that has unique thermal insulation properties.