D3O is a dilatant non-Newtonian fluid commonly used for
impact protection. In its raw state, the compound flows freely when moved
slowly. But at the instance of a sudden physical occurrence, it locks together to absorb and disperse energy, and immediately returns back to its flexible state. When it is introduced to any form of
impact the offshoots lock together and become hard within a 1,000th of a second
to absorb and spread the force, significantly reducing the effect of impact. It
is able to withstand about 100 or so direct impacts at full force before
degrading.
This transformation is possible due to the way the molecules move with each other. When the material is being moved at low speeds it is soft and flexible, because the bonds between the molecules are not strong, so they can slip past each other. When the material is moved quickly by a sudden force, the molecules re-arrange themselves in a very structured way and create proper hydrogen bonds. When you impact the molecules they do not have time to move and they quickly lock into position.
This transformation is possible due to the way the molecules move with each other. When the material is being moved at low speeds it is soft and flexible, because the bonds between the molecules are not strong, so they can slip past each other. When the material is moved quickly by a sudden force, the molecules re-arrange themselves in a very structured way and create proper hydrogen bonds. When you impact the molecules they do not have time to move and they quickly lock into position.
An illustration of how D3O, a non-Newtonian fluid, works upon impact.
A Newtonian fluid (named after Sir Isaac Newton) is a fluid whose stress versus strain rate curve is linear and passes through the origin. The constant of proportionality is known as the viscosity. A non-Newtonian fluid is a fluid whose viscosity is variable based on applied stress. The most commonly known non-Newtonian fluid is cornstarch dissolved in water.
Dr. Richard Palmer and a group of hired scientists began to develop a polymer that held the same name as the company, D3O. They sought out to manufacture a high-performance shock absorption material that had high-flexibility and maintained a good comfort level. As you can see, D3O is very apt in military situations such as land battles, where bullets and who knows what kind of shrapnel will fly at your body!
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| D3O is a very stretchy solid that is hard to rip apart or pierce through. |
D3O incorporated into military body armor.
By: Max Lauring, Jeff Bulick, Brandon Oviedo, and Jake Roth
