Optimising non-Newtonian fluids for impact protection of laminates

• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2311.08280
• Publication Date: 2023-01-01
• Authors: James A. Richards; Daniel J. M. Hodgson; Rory E. O’Neill; Michael E. DeRosa; Wilson C. K. Poon
• Keywords: Shear thinning; Generalized Newtonian fluid; Scaling law

Non-Newtonian fluids can be used for the protection of flexible laminates. Understanding coupling between flow protecting fluid and deformation protected solids is necessary in order to optimise this functionality. We present a scaling analysis problem based on single variable, effective width squeeze flat rigid plates, predict that impact laminates optimised by using shear-thinning, not shear-thickening, fluids. The prediction verified experimentally measuring velocity pressure experiments. Our should generically applicable non-Newtonian fluid-solid interactions diverse applications.