A novel “dynamic ligament” smart material that exhibits a strongly rate-dependent response in extension is developed and characterized. The devices, based on elastomeric polymers and shear thickening fluids, exhibit low resistance to extension at rates below 10 mm/s, but when stretched at 100 mm/s or higher resist with up to 7 × higher force. A link between the shear thickening fluid’s rheology and the dynamic ligament’s tensile performance is presented to explain the rate-dependent response. Future recommendations for improving device performance are presented, along with a host of different potential application areas including safety equipment, adaptive braces, sporting goods, and military equipment.

Date Published: 1 April 2014
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 9057, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2014, 90573H (1 April 2014); doi: 10.1117/12.2059833

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9057:
Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2014
Wei-Hsin Liao, Editor(s)