Adaptive Multiphase Materials

About

Summary Body, vehicle and other types of armor rely on strength and density to prevent energy transfer from shock or stress. Shock wave and impact forces have traditionally been dealt with through the use of metal, polymer, elastic air cushioned voids, and, in the case of military armor, additional ceramic materials and composites with air voids. While heavy combat vehicles employ air voids and ceramic composites to absorb and redirect some of the energy, other materials are constructed metal or polymers using linear lattice structures, which easily propagate shock waves. This linear lattice allows shock waves to propagate out from the contact site in an even hemispherical radiation of the force through the material. Constant linear lattice site construction allows the energy to follow these straight continuous lines through the structure until all of the force is expended in a straight linear fashion through the material medium usually resulting in plastic deformation of the structure. This energy follows the lattice structure, disrupting the lattice structure as it propagates, and it may eventually punch through the structure. Adaptive Multiphase Materials (AMM) created at Georgia Tech provide the ability to redirect the linear track of shock energy through selected pathways as it propagates from the impact site. AMMs can be constructed to react to shock and vibration by using non-linear lattice structures. The material can be made to increase the deflection path length to dissipate energy or allow it to be channeled into a desired zone or location. AAMs can be engineered to reverse the direction of the shock wave by using a reflecting lattice structure. It can be formulated to produce reactions to incoming energy waves, resulting in a canceling effect, which can reduce or eliminate vibration or shock wave propagation through the structure. Protective armor made from AMMs would be lighter than materials used in secondary armor, light vehicle armor, protective body armor, and products such as sports helmets and sports body wear. Shock from high impact sports can be channeled away from the wearer or reduced or eliminated by shock wave phase cancellation. Structures can be produced from AMMs to reduce vibration penetration from high ambient sound or mechanical vibration. The applications are endless. Georgia Tech Inventors: Dr. Massimo Ruzzene, Dr. Julian Rimoli, Filippo Casadei, School of Aerospace Engineering