Researchers at Texas A&M College and the DEVCOM Military Analysis Laboratory have created a hybrid foam materials that may take in as much as 10 occasions extra power than typical padding. The composite, described within the journal Composite Buildings, combines peculiar foam with 3D-printed plastic columns referred to as struts utilizing a way referred to as In-Foam Additive Manufacturing (IFAM).
The analysis staff, led by Dr. Mohammad Naraghi from Texas A&M and Dr. Eric Wetzel from the Military Analysis Laboratory, addresses a long-standing engineering problem. Conventional foams are reasonably priced however have random inside buildings that restrict power absorption effectivity, whereas engineered mobile supplies are extra organized however costly and tough to scale.
The IFAM course of builds a community of plastic struts instantly into typical open-cell foam. “The diameter, spacing, angle and elasticity of the elastomer may be chosen to realize a variety of properties,” Wetzel mentioned. Throughout compression, the froth prevents the struts from buckling early, whereas the struts distribute forces into the encircling foam.
The quick purposes concentrate on navy makes use of, together with ballistic helmets and blast-resistant seat cushions. “Vitality-absorbing supplies are crucial to a variety of Military purposes,” Wetzel mentioned. The researchers are additionally exploring civilian purposes resembling bicycle helmets, motorbike gear, automotive security elements, and custom-tuned cushions.
Past affect safety, the staff is investigating the fabric’s potential for noise management and acoustic purposes. The hybrid foam could possibly be engineered to dampen particular frequency ranges, although Naraghi famous that “the acoustic purposes are nonetheless within the early analysis levels.” The fabric’s properties may be adjusted by various the thickness and angles of the 3D-printed struts.
Supply: tales.tamu.edu