I bookmarked this story from CNET last week for one simple reason. It was fascinating to me. And, after an incredibly busy week and weekend, this seemed like a good way to ease back into blogging.
Evidently some technology being used in ski helmets, shin guards and equestrian equipment is making its way into the armor of British soldiers. The concept behind it is that the molecules in this orange gel liner are viscous until the instant of high impact.
The goo, under development by Blue Divine, uses “intelligent molecules” to “shock lock” together when shot or stabbed, creating a solid pad to absorb energy. The substance, called D30, returns to its “normal flexible state” after the pressure is removed.
“When moved slowly, the molecules will slip past each other, but in a high-energy impact, they will snag and lock together, becoming solid,” Blue Divine CEO Richard Palmer said in an interview. “In doing so, they absorb energy.”
If you watch the video demonstration where Palmer repeatedly strikes a hammer into the goo (which is wrapped around a soldier’s finger) you’ll see the amazing transformation from semi-solid to solid and back again.
Pretty cool stuff. As a sniper, I guess I should know about it, eh?
