Bullet proof custard

[Soovy]

Best headline EVER



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-134...

[kentmotorcompany]

I guess it would need to be proven to work correctly before being used in active service. I suggest a "custard test".

[cazzer]

article said:

The liquid has been compared to custard because the molecules lock together and 'thicken' in the same way as the dessert sauce reacts to being stirred when heated.

No it hasn't it's been compared to custard because it's a non newtonian fluid.
Shoddy research or too complicated for us fick readers to understand?

[toast boy]

cazzer said:

article said:

The liquid has been compared to custard because the molecules lock together and 'thicken' in the same way as the dessert sauce reacts to being stirred when heated.

No it hasn't it's been compared to custard because it's a non newtonian fluid.
Shoddy research or too complicated for us fick readers to understand?

I was about to say that. To be honest, I'm surprised someone hasn't come up with this idea before now, non newtonian fluids have been known about for quite some time!

[Fatman2]

Well it if solidifies on impact then it is indeed like custard.

I don't think the heating thing is quite correct but cold custard mix hardens upon impact. I'm not sure if it'd stop a bullet but will easily hold the weight of a man if stood on.

[physprof]

In a similar vein have a look here .....

http://web.mit.edu/isn/aboutisn/index.html

and the overarching http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_Force_Warrior

[TheEnd]

Cornflower and water?

[Flippin' Kipper]

Similar to D3O?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D3o

[Pesty]

TheEnd said:

Cornflower and water?

I was just thinking that. We did that experiment in physics class 20 years ago

[dfen5]

No way I'd risk my life by pudding that on in the dessert.

[Flintstone]

It's an idea not to be trifled with.

[grumbledoak]

Cornflour and water does indeed do this. But in a simple test it would probably just pass the force on, just like when you press it into your palm. Interesting if they can really make it spread the force. I suspect you'd be flat on the floor, mind.

[dfen5]

Flintstone said:

It's an idea not to be trifled with.

Let's not milk this.

[Flintstone]

How would this feel to the touch? Firm or spongey?

[grumbledoak]

Flintstone said:

How would this feel to the touch? Firm or spongey?

Depends how hard you pressed it.

Try it yourself. 1/2 Tbsp cornflour in a cup, add a little water and mix 'til it is the consistency of custard. Pour into hand and let it slop about as it should. Then press it with a finger. You can roll it into a ball. Let go, it slops about again.

[Fatman2]

Flintstone said:

How would this feel to the touch? Firm or spongey?

Like jelly

[mybrainhurts]

Nothing new here. McDonalds use it for making chips...

[1A]

Just a new use for a thixotropic fluid isn't it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN2D5y-AxIY

[Soovy]

dfen5 said:

No way I'd risk my life by pudding that on in the dessert.

[physprof]

Flintstone said:

How would this feel to the touch? Firm or spongey?

running across a pool of cornflour....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2XQ97XHjVw