Magnetic Body Armor

Overview

Objectives/Goals The purpose of this project is to see if treating Kevlar fabric with magnetorheological (MR) fluid, improves protection compared to untreated Kevlar used in body armor. Methods/Materials Sample targets were created by placing treated or untreated Kevlar fabric into sealed plastic bags which were then secured in a plexiglass holder. Magnets were inserted in the holder for samples that required a magnetic field. A rifle was fired 5 meters from the sample, and the depth of penetration into a clay witness mounted behind the sample target was measured. The procedure was repeated for nine 10-layer Kevlar samples: three untreated, three treated with MR fluid, and three treated with MR fluid and a magnetic field. Other thicknesses were used for comparison. Results As anticipated, the more untreated Kevlar layers, the less penetration; but unexpectedly with MR treated Kevlar, penetration actually increased, and increased even more when a magnetic field was added. Also, treated Kevlar had less thread deformation than untreated. Conclusions/Discussion It appeared that the oil in the MR fluid acted as a lubricant, allowing bullets to more easily rip through the Kevlar threads. Adding the field seemed to distort the fabric by drawing iron particles to the sides of the Kevlar, providing less protection. MR fluid might still prove useful in treating body armor providing the lubrication properties of the oil medium can be overcome.

Awards (1)

• First Place

Competition history

• CSEF 2012 Applied Mechanics & Structures · Entry J0320

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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