Influence of dilatant non-Newtonian fluid coating on the impact absorption of safety helmets

Abstract

This study focuses on the application of non-Newtonian fluids, specifically shear-thickening fluids (STF), to improve the impact resistance of safety helmets. Given the growing need to protect workers in high-risk environments, it was explored how the incorporation of this type of fluid could increase the effectiveness of existing helmets. Therefore, the design and manufacture of an impact testing machine will be evaluated, as well as the evaluation of the hardness of aluminum plates using the Rockwell method. Through various tests, it was determined that helmets coated with STF showed a significant improvement in impact absorption, reaching an increase of 25.49% compared to standard models. The tests were carried out at different drop heights, with 1.92 meters being one of the most effective for measuring resistance. The results concluded that the use of non-Newtonian fluids, particularly STF, is feasible and potentially transformative in the design of personal protective equipment, underlining its importance in materials engineering and industrial safety. This work contributes to the creation of products that can provide better protection to people in vulnerable environments.