Formally known as Shear Thickening Liquid, the fluid has special particles that are freely suspended. The particles collide when the fluid is disturbed, which creates a resistance to the disturbance.
When the force of the disturbance is large enough, the particles will then actually “lock” together. So when a bullet hits the material at speed, the liquid armor absorbs the impact energy and hardens extremely quickly.
In watching an episode of mythbusters the other day, it was interesting how quickly 223, 30-06, and 50 caliber FMJ rounds broke up when hitting water. It was assumed that this was related to them being super-sonic as opposed to slower rounds like a 9mm that held together and penetrated at lethal speed down to around 10 feet. I'm sure there are more variables at work, but speed would clearly play a significant role. It seems like this technology is in some way an acceleration of what water is doing such that the resistance this gel creates is likely ripping the bullet apart very quickly. If it is stopping the bullet intact, then I'm all wet. Might be interesting how a venerable old round nose 45 auto may perform compared to smaller or more pointy rounds. Seems like gun people like to use "venerable" as much as guitar people like to use "vintage".
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In watching an episode of mythbusters the other day, it was interesting how quickly 223, 30-06, and 50 caliber FMJ rounds broke up when hitting water. It was assumed that this was related to them being super-sonic as opposed to slower rounds like a 9mm that held together and penetrated at lethal speed down to around 10 feet. I'm sure there are more variables at work, but speed would clearly play a significant role. It seems like this technology is in some way an acceleration of what water is doing such that the resistance this gel creates is likely ripping the bullet apart very quickly. If it is stopping the bullet intact, then I'm all wet. Might be interesting how a venerable old round nose 45 auto may perform compared to smaller or more pointy rounds. Seems like gun people like to use "venerable" as much as guitar people like to use "vintage".
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