- Indian Institute of Technology -

Research Report

Soft Body Armor

Understanding the production, testing, and application of soft body armor in

India

1
 Table of Contents

1. BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE....................................................................................................... 3
1.1. RHEOLOGY...........................................................................................................................................3
1.2. VISCOELASTICITY..............................................................................................................................3
1.2.1. Introduction.....................................................................................................................................3
1.2.2. Types of viscoelastic materials........................................................................................................3
1.3. SHEARING..........................................................................................................................................4
1.4. SHEAR RATE.......................................................................................................................................4
1.5. CRITICAL SHEAR RATE......................................................................................................................4
1.6. SHEAR STRESS....................................................................................................................................4
1.7. VISCOSITY..........................................................................................................................................4
1.8. DEFORMATION FORCES.....................................................................................................................6
1.9. NEWTON’S LAW OF VISCOSITY..........................................................................................................6
1.10. FLOW PROFILES................................................................................................................................6
1.11. TENSILE MODULUS............................................................................................................................7
1.12. TENACITY.......................................................................................................................................... 8
2. SOFT BODY ARMOR....................................................................................................................... 8
2.1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................8
2.2. FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE ENERGY ABSORPTION OF SOFT BODY ARMOR...................................9
2.2.1. Material Properties..........................................................................................................................9
2.2.2. Structural parameters....................................................................................................................10
2.2.3. Number of fabric layers and stitching...........................................................................................11
2.3. PARAMETERS EFFECTING SHEAR THICKENING BEHAVIOUR..........................................................11
2.3.1. Solid content..................................................................................................................................11
2.3.2. Particle aspect ratio (length:diameter).........................................................................................12
2.3.3. Shape..............................................................................................................................................12
2.3.4. Size, and size distribution of particle.............................................................................................12
2.3.5. Temperature...................................................................................................................................12
3. PRODUCTION PROCESS FOR AN STF TREATED FABRIC......................................................13
4. EXPERIMENT................................................................................................................................. 13
4.1. DATA................................................................................................................................................13
4.2. TOTAL MASS OF THE SOLUTION (SILICA + PEG200 + ETHANOL):...............................................14
4.3. VISCOSITY AND SHEAR STRESS AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE OF SOLUTION 3 (2):....................14
4.3.1. 15 ℃ :............................................................................................................................................14
4.3.2. 25℃ :.............................................................................................................................................15
4.3.3. 35℃ :.............................................................................................................................................15
4.4. EVALUATION....................................................................................................................................16
5. DYNAMIC IMPACT TEST AND PUNCTURE TEST....................................................................16
5.1 SPECIFICATIONS..............................................................................................................................16
5.2 DATA................................................................................................................................................16
5.2.1 Dynamic impact test......................................................................................................................17
5.2.2 Puncture Testing............................................................................................................................18
5.3 CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................................18
6. BIBLIOGRAPHY............................................................................................................................. 20

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3
1. Background Knowledge
1.1. Rheology

Rheology is defined as the study of the flow behaviour of fluid mater and the deformation of
solid materials. Rheology considers the non-Newtonian fluids that remains viscous or in a
semi-solid state and the deformation of solids during the application of a certain amount of
force.1

1.2. Viscoelasticity

1.2.1. Introduction

Viscoelasticity is a property of materials that showcase viscous as well as elastic behaviour

under stain and when undergoing deformation. Viscous materials show resistance towards
flow under certain stress and elastic materials retain their original position and shape after
stretched and deformed. Viscoelastic materials exhibit these very same properties and exhibit
time-dependent strain.

1.2.2. Types of viscoelastic materials

I. Viscous liquids – these are liquids that have higher viscosity in comparison to non-
viscous liquids. Perfect examples for these include – honey and condiments.
II. Viscoelastic liquids – Viscoelastic liquids exhibit both viscous as well as elastic
behaviour, but they tend to lean towards the viscous properties. They are non-
Newtonian in nature and an example for this would be DNA suspensions.
III. Viscoelastic solids – very similar to viscoelastic liquids, viscoelastic solids exhibit
both viscous and elastic behaviour. However, their elastic properties are more
profound. Semicrystalline and amorphous polymers are great examples for the same

1
www.iq.usp.br. (n.d.). About Rheology. [online] Available at:
http://www.iq.usp.br/mralcant/About_Rheo.html#:~:text=Introduction [Accessed 25th Jun. 2022].

4
 IV. Elastic solids – Elastic solids don’t show viscous bahavior at all and simply act like an
elastic material such as spandex.

1.3. Shearing

Shearing basically describes the deformation of a material. It is used to define the sliding
behavior of parallel internal surfaces. This takes place due to the occurrence of a shear strain
which makes the material move and change its internal morphology.

1.4. Shear rate

Shear rate is the rate at which a fluid is sheared during flow. In more technical terms, it is the
rate at which fluid layers or laminae move past each other. The difference in velocity between
the layer closest to the surface and the layer farthest divided by their relative distance is
known as shear rate.2

1.5. Critical shear rate

The critical shear rate characterizes the transition from Newtonian to non-Newtonian
behavior.3 Essentially, it is the onset of either shear thickening or shear thinning behaviour
where the viscosity changes under force or stress.

1.6. Shear stress

Shear stress is a force that is applied to cause a certain type of deformation in a material. It
causes slippage along the surface where the stress is applied or even to surfaces parallel.

1.7. Viscosity

2
Moonay, D. (2017). What is Shear Rate and Why is it Important? [online] Labcompare.com. Available at:
https://www.labcompare.com/10-Featured-Articles/338534-What-is-Shear-Rate-and-Why-is-it-Important/.
[Accessed 26th Jun. 2022].

3
Panwar, P., Michael, P., Devlin, M. and Martini, A. (2020). Critical Shear Rate of Polymer-Enhanced
Hydraulic Fluids. Lubricants, 8(12), p.102. doi:10.3390/lubricants8120102. [Accessed 26th Jun. 2022].

5
Viscosity is resistance to flow or change in shape that is displayed by fluids. It describes the
internal friction of a moving fluid. Fluid can be thought as a substance flowing. In liquids,
each layer moves at a different velocity. Due to this, a shear stress develops between the
layers.

Honey for example resists flow because its molecular makeup and morphology results in a lot
of internal friction between neighboring particles that are moving at different velocities.

Higher shear stress is usually experienced near the walls of the container as the velocity of
the fluid is minimum there. When the velocity reaches minimum, it is known as the no slip
condition. The large shear stress is transmitted to adjacent layers which decreases to its
minimum near the centre of the liquid.

du
Slope =
dy
u = fluid velocity
y = distance from the wall

For more liquids, the relationship between the shear stress and the slope of the velocity
profile is linear. The constant of proportionality is viscosity.

Shear stress ()

Viscosity =

Velocity Gradient ()

μ = dynamic viscosity

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 ∆u
Strain rate: γ=
∆y
∴ τ=μγ

Viscosity in liquids is caused by the inter-molecular cohesive forces which bonds the
molecules together. Viscosity in gases on the other hand is caused by the inter-molecular
collisions.

Shear stress dynes . sec

Viscosity = = = poise
Shear rate cm 2

1.8. Deformation Forces

These forces are used to deform and change the shape of a material. They are different I
nature and different materials react more readily to certain deformation forces than others.

1. Tension
2. Compression
3. Bending
4. Torsion
5. Shear

1.9. Newton’s law of viscosity

Newton's law of viscosity states that the shear stress is directly proportional to the velocity
gradient.

Newtonian fluids obey Newton's law of viscosity. The viscosity is independent of the shear
rate. Non-Newtonian fluids do not follow Newton's law and, thus, their viscosity (ratio of
shear stress to shear rate) is not constant and is dependent on the shear rate.

1.10. Flow Profiles

I. Newtonian
II. Non-Newtonian

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 i. Pseudo-plastic – Pseudo-plastic fluids are also referred to as shear-thinning fluids.
The viscosity of these fluids will decrease with increasing shear rate. At low shear
rates, these liquids will experience the formation of shear stress. The shear stress
results in the reordering of the molecules in order to reduce the overall stress. This
induction of a higher degree of order in the fluid reduces the shear stress and leads to
the observed nonproportionality between the shear rate and the shear force.4

ii. Dilatant - Dilatant fluids are also referred to as shear-thickening fluids. The viscosity
of these fluids will grow with increasing shear rate. If a shear rate is applied to these
particles, they need to reorder in order to reduce the influence of the shear rate. By
doing so, the overall shear force can be reduced. If the shear rate applied is small, the
particles have enough time to reorder. However, if a high shear rate is applied, the
particles do not have the required time to reorganize, and a significant shear force is
built up.5

iii. Thixotropic - Thixotropic materials display a viscosity that decreases with shear rate
and time of shear as well. They possess a solid structure that requires time to form
under high pressure (or low temperature) and that structure is disrupted by shear
stress.6

1.11. Tensile modulus

The tensile modulus of a solid material is a mechanical property that measures its stiffness. It
is defined as the ratio of its tensile stress (force per unit area) to its strain (relative
deformation) when undergoing elastic deformation. The tensile modulus is useful for
evaluating how stiff a material is. In other words, how much the material is expected to

4
Sciencedirect.com. (2011). Pseudoplastic Fluid - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. [online] Available at:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/pseudoplastic-fluid. [Accessed 27th Jun. 2022].

5
Sciencedirect.com. (2014). Dilatant Fluid - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. [online] Available at:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/dilatant-fluid. [Accessed 28th Jun. 2022].

6
Sciencedirect.com. (2011b). Thixotropic Material - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. [online] Available at:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/thixotropic-material. [Accessed 28 th Jun. 2022].

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deform (elastically) when subjected to a particular load. The higher a material’s tensile
modulus is, the more force is required to deform it.7

1.12. Tenacity

Tenacity is the term used to measure the strength of fibre/yarn. It is usually defined as the
ultimate or breaking force of the fibre (in gram-force units) divided by the linear density
(denier).8 Not to confuse tensile strength with tenacity, tensile strength is simple a measure of
maximum force attained in breaking a fibre. Tenacity, on the other hand is a measure the
same force in relation to the linear density of the fibre or yarn9

2. Soft body armor

2.1. Introduction

In a soft body armor, several layers of bullet-resistant webbing are sandwiched between
layers of plastic film. These layers are then woven to the carrier, an outer layer of traditional
clothing material.

The webbing in the middle of the plastic film consists of a net like structure formed by many
long lengths of fibers, interlaced with each other. When bullet is shot at the vest, it has a
certain amount of energy, in the form of forward inertia. When it hits the vest, it pushes back
on the fibers of the fabric at that particular point. Each strand of the fabric extends from one
side of the frame to the other, dispersing the energy from the point of impact over a wide
area. The energy is further dispersed because the fibers are interlaced. When the projectile
pushes on a horizontal length of fibre, that fibre pulls on every interlaced vertical fibre. These
7
Corrosionpedia. (n.d.). What is a Tensile Modulus? - Definition from Corrosionpedia. [online] Available at:
https://www.corrosionpedia.com/definition/4823/tensile-modulus. [Accessed 28th Jun. 2022].

8
Texpedi.com: A reliable source of learning textiles. (n.d.). What is Fibre Tenacity? [online] Available at:
https://www.texpedi.com/2020/10/what-is-fibre-tenacity.html. [Accessed 30th Jun. 2022].

9
Second Class Test -Spring 2008 Course Title: Fibre Science Course Code: TEXT-321 Section(s): TS3A & B
Max. Marks: 15 Instructor: Aasim Ahmed Max. Time: 1 hour. (2008). [online] Available at:
https://aasimahmed.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/second-class-test-model-answers.pdf [Accessed 1 st Jul. 2022].

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fibers in turn pull on all the connected horizontal fibre. In this way, the whole net like
structure works to absorb the bullet’s inertial energy, no matter where it hits.

The most famous material used in body armor is DuPont's KEVLAR fiber. KEVLAR is
lightweight, like a traditional clothing fiber, but it is five times stronger than a piece of steel
of the same weight. When interwoven into a dense net, this material can absorb a great
amount of energy.10

2.2. Factors that affect the energy absorption of soft body armor

2.2.1. Material Properties

2.2.1.1. Density, tenacity, and modulus

In order to make an effective and efficient soft body armor, low density, high tensile
modulus, high tenacity, and low elongation at break are required.

U=
σε
2ρ √ E
ρ

All these properties are defined by this equation which was deduced by Cunniff. Here, U is
the product of specific fibre toughness and its strain wave velocity.

σ = Ultimate tensile strength of the fibre

ε = Ultimate tensile strain of the fibre
E = Initial modulus
ρ = Density of the fibre

Two factors should be high for good impact resistance as per the equation. These are tensile
strength and modulus of the fiber. Density on the other hand should be low.

2.2.1.2. Friction

10
HowStuffWorks. (2001). How Body Armor Works. [online] Available at:
https://science.howstuffworks.com/body-armor1.htm#:~:text=In%20a%20bulletproof%20vest%2C%20several
[Accessed 18 Oct. 2022].

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Yarn to yarn friction causes an increase in the involvement of more secondary yarn. This
consequently leads to an increase in pull-out zone dimensions which have been found to
increase the dissipation of energy. It was also reported that when yarn breaks, energy
absorption is enhanced. The role of friction is not only to enhance energy through frictional
sliding, but also through increased yarn kinetic energy as well as through improved yarn
strain energy. 11

Through experimentation, it has been found that moderate coefficient of friction is the best
for energy absorption. At higher coefficients of friction energy absorption is lower as
localized stress concentration rises.

2.2.2. Structural parameters

2.2.2.1. Yarn twist

Increasing the number of twists to a yarn increased its strength to a certain extent but after a
point, it leads to a number of concentration points which consequently have the opposite
effect.

2.2.2.2. Fabric structure

There are various different fabric structures that can be used for the production of soft body
armor. However, research has found that in terms of 2D fabric, the plain and basket weaving
system is one of the most efficient due to its uniform mechanical properties.

Even during weaving, the fabric has to be manufactured properly. Very tight fabric will
deteriorate during the process which loose fabric will have a higher elongation will be unable
to stop a projectile from piercing through. Furthermore, for a tightly woven fabric, large
number of filaments with finer denier are really efficient at protection against fine projectiles.

2.2.2.3. Crimp

11
Mawkhlieng, U., Majumdar, A. and Laha, A. (2020). A review of fibrous materials for soft body armour
applications. RSC Advances, [online] 10(2), pp.1066–1086. doi:10.1039/C9RA06447H. [Accessed 1st Jul. 2022].

11
Inside the fabric, yarns form a wavy shape instead of straight yarn. As a result, actual length
of the yarns is longer than the length of fabric width and length in fabric. Both in warp way
and weft ways. The shortening of yarn length in fabric is known as crimp.12

Essentially, high crimp is really beneficial for fabric used in the production of soft body
armor. This is because, when the bullet hits the fabric then it can stretch easily with minimum
resistance. However, an optimum balance between the contact points and crimp level are
required as high crimp means that the blunt trauma will be higher and deflection in the
horizontal/transverse direction would be larger in magnitude.

2.2.3. Number of fabric layers and stitching

Increasing the number of fabric layers decreased penetration and back face signature.
However, adding fabrics required stitching and it has its negatives. Stitching damages the
yarn and makes it weaker by adding stress-concentrated points that are weak in nature.
However, sufficient experimentation shows that stitched fabrics perform better than
unstitched fabric.

2.3. Parameters effecting shear thickening behaviour

Adding an STF is one way of decreasing the back face signature (BFS) of a projectile. There
are other methods as well like the use of nanofiller or metal oxides. However, when it comes
to an STF, following are the different factors that influences its behaviour

2.3.1. Solid content

Shear thickening behaviour in liquids is only observed when the solid content in it exceeds a
certain level. 50% is found to be a good approximation; however, it is not completely reliable
and more of an estimate.

12
Online Clothing Study. (n.d.). What is Crimp% in Fabric and How to Measure Warp and Weft Crimp%.
[online] Available at: https://www.onlineclothingstudy.com/2014/06/what-is-crimp-in-fabric-and-how-
to.html#:~:text=Inside%20the%20fabric%2C%20yarns%20form [Accessed 3rd July. 2022].

12
2.3.2. Particle aspect ratio (length:diameter)

The particle aspect ratio and the critical shear rate have an inverse relationship while
viscosity has a direct relationship. As the particle aspect ratio increases, the critical shear rate
decreases and an increase in velocity is noticed.

2.3.3. Shape

Particle shape is an important parameter. Anisotropic particles usually display shear

thickening fluid more easily. In essence, anisotropic colloids are particles that possess one or
multiple anisotropies in the geometric, interfacial, compositional, or physical properties. 13 So,
needle shaped, or rod-shaped particles have shown to be more successful in showcasing shear
thickening behavior.

2.3.4. Size, and size distribution of particle

As the particle size increases, shear thickening behaviour begins to be exhibited at a lower
shear rate. A high particle distribution on the other hand causes disproportionality in the STF
and increases the critical shear rate.

2.3.5. Temperature

Viscosity and temperature have an inverse relationship so an increase in temperature leads to

a decrease in viscosity.

3. Production process for an STF treated fabric

I. Prepare the STF solution

i. Decide on the amount of STF solution that needs to be prepared and the size of the
silica particle that is to be used.
ii. Oven dry the silica particles for 6 hours at 120℃ to evaporate moisture.
13
www.aiche.org. (n.d.). Anisotropic Particles: Synthesis, Characterization, Modeling, Assembly, and
Applications | AIChE. [online] Available at:
https://www.aiche.org/conferences/aiche-annual-meeting/2017/proceeding/session/anisotropic-particles-
synthesis-characterization-modeling-assembly-and-applications [Accessed 3rd July. 2022].

13
 iii. Take 65% mass as silica powder
iv. Add the rest 35% as Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
v. Add ethanol (4 times the amount of PEG)
vi. Homogenize the mixture using a homogenizer
vii. Perform ultrasonication of the solution using a probe sonicator to eliminate
agglomeration of particles
II. Cut the fabric in required dimensions as per the testing conditions
III. Treat the fabric with the prepared STF using a padding mangle
IV. Oven dry the fabric to remove any excess moisture.
V. Compare the mass of the fabric before being treated with the STF and after and then
calculate the add-on percentage

4. Experiment

4.1. Data

Amount Solution Beaker Ratio Mass Mass Density Volume Volume

of STF number mass between of of of PEG of PEG of
(g) (g) Silica and Silica PEG (g/cm3) (cm3) Ethanol
PEG (g) (g) (cm3)
Silica PEG
1 51.29 0.55 0.45 11.0 9.0 1.124 8.0 32.0
20 2 53.34 0.60 0.40 12.0 8.0 1.124 7.0 28.5
3 (1) 52.11 0.65 0.35 13.0 7.0 1.124 6.2 25.0
3 (2) 52.12 0.65 0.35 13.0 7.0 1.124 6.2 25.0
4 52.12 0.65 0.35 13.0 7.0 1.124 6.2 25.0

4.2. Total mass of the solution (Silica + PEG200 + Ethanol):

I. Solution 1 – 95.8 g
II. Solution 2 – 94.82 g
III. Solution 3(1) – 90.50 g
IV. Solution 3(2) – 90.98 g
V. Solution 4 – 90.93 g

14
4.3. Viscosity and Shear stress at different temperature of solution 3 (2):

4.3.1. 15 ℃ :

4.3.1.1. Shear Rate ( γ ) V/S Viscosity (η) & Shear Stress (τ )

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4.3.2. 25℃ :

4.3.2.1. Shear Rate ( γ ) V/S Viscosity (η) & Shear Stress (τ )

4.3.3. 35℃ :

4.3.3.1. Shear Rate ( γ ) V/S Viscosity (η) & Shear Stress (τ )

16
4.4. Evaluation

The experiment successfully shows the relationship between temperature and viscosity. With
increasing temperature, the critical shear rate shifts to the right which indicates an increase.
This suggests that there more shear stress needs to be applied before the onset of rapid
increase in the viscosity.

5. Dynamic Impact test and Puncture test

5.1 Specifications

ASTM D3763 states that the specimen shall be centered and clamped between the two plates
of the support fixture in such a way as to provide uniform clamping pressure to prevent
slippage during testing. The available energy used for the test should be such that the velocity
slowdown is no more than 20% from the beginning of the test to the point of peak
(maximum) load. It has been noted that when the available impact energy is at least three
times more than the energy at peak load, the velocity slowdown is less than 20%.14

1. Diameter of the probe – 12.75 mm

2. Vertical distance – 1013 mm
3. Dead weight:
i. Plates mass – 5 kg × 3
ii. Holder mass – 4.3 kg
iii. Tup mass – 0.83 kg
Total mass = 20.13 kg
4. Impact energy: 200 J (constant parameter)
5. Impact velocity: 4.46 m/s
6. Working Diameter: 76

5.2 Data

14
ASTM D3763 High-Speed Puncture Properties of Plastics | Available at:
instron.com/en-in/testing-solutions/astm-standards/astm-d3763 [Accessed 5th Jul. 2022].

17
 5.2.1 Dynamic impact test

Type of Pressure Sample Peak Total Impact Deformation

fabric /Bar number Force energy Resistance /mm
/N /J /J
1 675.414 14.304 14.304 55.871
2 655.032 14.398 14.398 50.454
Untreated - 3 702.261 17.143 17.143 56.166
Kevlar 4 641.502 17.922 17.922 56.166
802 5 692.376 17.363 17.363 52.776
6 665.785 17.287 17.287 53.868
Average 672.062 16.374 16.374 53.217
1 3050.669 61.350 61.350 55.884
2 3124.145 58.961 58.961 50.133
3 3297.944 65.063 65.063 56.086
2 4 2766.656 53.227 53.227 53.886
5 2742.635 52.731 52.731 48.785
6 3761.408 68.358 68.358 49.853
Average 3123.910 59.948 59.948 52.434
1 2481.229 49.302 49.302 51.527
2 2769.482 53.296 53.296 50.296
STF 3 2770.895 52.387 52.387 50.823
treated - 4 4 2625.356 50.315 50.315 52.913
Kevlar 5 2409.166 51.156 51.156 54.766
363 6 2910.782 57.999 57.999 52.656
Average 2661.152 52.409 52.409 52.164
1 2207.107 44.852 44.852 52.437
2 2283.409 47.045 47.045 52.912
3 2183.086 43.507 43.507 50.963
6 4 2551.886 53.363 53.363 52.495
5 2306.017 47.217 47.217 52.204
6 2232.412 48.243 48.243 51.921
Average 2293.987 47.371 47.371 52.155
1 3935.207 70.443 70.443 46.342
2 4241.829 90.341 90.341 48.756
3 3966.293 74.942 74.942 47.418
2 4 3686.519 63.573 63.573 44.012
5 3750.104 62.707 62.707 43.040
6 3336.095 55.919 55.919 43.143
Average 3819.341 69.654 69.654 45.452
1 3150.169 61.251 61.251 40.984
2 3324.173 59.783 59.783 42.674
STF 4 3 3597.349 67.983 67.983 40.289
treated - 4 3266.665 60.877 60.877 41.228
Kevlar 5 3242.365 59.901 59.901 42.331
802 6 3751.328 68.778 68.778 39.101
Average 3388.748 63.096 63.096 41.108
1 2489.516 52.876 52.876 35.023

18
 2 2760.993 58.127 58.127 39.018
6 3 2723.892 57.961 57.961 37.776
6 2951.629 62.997 62.997 42.017
4 2698.681 55.959 55.959 36.468
5 2562.339 54.302 54.302 34.245
Average 2661.152 57.037 57.037 37.425

5.2.2 Puncture Testing

Compressive
Type of Fabric Pressure Sample Maximum load extension at
/Bar Number /N maximum load
/mm
1 559.76 32.00
2 598.81 31.75
3 603.15 31.87
Untreated - 4 622.24 31.75
5 538.79 32.00
6 543.07 32.00
Average 577.64 31.90
1 748.43 30.13
2 740.58 31.42
3 689.79 30.85
2 4 675.98 31.02
5 743.46 31.98
6 757.11 31.12
Average 725.89 31.09
1 759.36 29.98
2 734.90 29.32
3 737.87 31.98
Kevlar 363 4 4 788.17 32.87
5 807.59 28.70
6 751.44 31.23
Average 763.22 30.68
1 714.13 28.75
2 663.66 30.77
3 701.14 29.75
6 4 704.48 31.03
5 766.39 31.97
6 839.79 31.61
Average 731.60 30.65

5.3 Conclusion

The data supports the conclusion that STF treated fabrics are more resilient towards impact
and can withstand load better. Furthermore, the deformation is also less in comparison to
untreated fabrics. Additionally, the compressive extension also decreases when the fabrics are

19
treated with STFs. This helps us understand the use of shear thickening fluids in the
production of soft body armor.

20
6. Bibliography

1. www.iq.usp.br. (n.d.). About Rheology. [online] Available at:

http://www.iq.usp.br/mralcant/About_Rheo.html#:~:text=Introduction [Accessed 25th Jun. 2022].
2. Moonay, D. (2017). What is Shear Rate and Why is it Important? [online] Labcompare.com. Available
at: https://www.labcompare.com/10-Featured-Articles/338534-What-is-Shear-Rate-and-Why-is-it-
Important/. [Accessed 26th Jun. 2022].
3. Panwar, P., Michael, P., Devlin, M. and Martini, A. (2020). Critical Shear Rate of Polymer-Enhanced
Hydraulic Fluids. Lubricants, 8(12), p.102. doi:10.3390/lubricants8120102. [Accessed 26th Jun. 2022].
4. Sciencedirect.com. (2011). Pseudoplastic Fluid - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. [online]
Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/pseudoplastic-fluid. [Accessed 27th
Jun. 2022].
5. Sciencedirect.com. (2014). Dilatant Fluid - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. [online] Available at:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/dilatant-fluid. [Accessed 28th Jun. 2022].
6. Sciencedirect.com. (2011b). Thixotropic Material - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. [online]
Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/thixotropic-material. [Accessed 28 th
Jun. 2022].
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