Impact characteristics of soft composites using shear thickening fluid and natural rubber - a review of current status

The main focus of this review is on soft composites, relatively new to the literature. The ballistic fabrics, mechanism of ballistic energy absorption and parameters affect the ballistic performance of fabrics are reviewed. Adding shear thickening fluid (STF) and natural rubber (NR) to fabric and their potential to enhance the impact performance of woven fabrics are considered. Shear thickening mechanism, parameters influence the Shear thickening and impact response of fabric/STF composite are explored. Numerical modelling techniques for the estimation of impact resistance of fabric/STF are outlined. Also the role of shear thickening fluid in energy absorption of fabric/STF composite was investigated. Moreover mechanical and impact characteristics of elastomeric composites which contain one rubbery part as either matrix or completely separate media are explored as well, which have not been considered within previous review papers so far.