Puncture Resistant Material Testing

Developed puncture apparatus and test procedures to determine the effect of shear-thickening fluids on Kevlar fabric; executed procedures using materials and equipment available.

Type
Academic
Timeframe
Jan 2022
 - 
May 2022
Status
Complete

Overview

As the culmination of a three-semester sequence of Experimental Methods in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at Clarkson University, my team proposed to test the effectiveness of shear-thickening fluid (STF) saturated Kevlar sheets against puncture. I was the Chief Test Engineer and focused on writing the test procedures, apparatus, executing the puncture tests on the material specimen, and data analysis. These test procedures were based on ASTM F1342 "Protective Clothing Material Resistance to Puncture" but modified due to the limited equipment available. Our tests indicated that STF saturation does have a positive trend for preventing puncture over standard Kevlar.

Goals

  • Propose an Experimental Project
  • Revise project through oral presentations with peer and instructor feedback
  • Create a detailed test plan with step-by-step procedures
  • Execute tests safely and professionally in lab facilities
  • Analyze data and present results through a final presentation and written report
Puncture test apparatus and data capture setup using a drill press, 3D printed specimen supports, microcontroller, laptop, and S-type load cell.
Puncture test apparatus and data capture setup using a drill press, 3D printed specimen supports, microcontroller, laptop, and S-type load cell.

How Was It Made?

Puncture test apparatus and setup overview diagram.
Puncture test apparatus and setup overview diagram.
  • Matured project ideas using the Heilmeier Catechism and the KEEN Engineering Skillset
  • Created a test and analysis plan based on ASTM standards; reviewed error tolerance and sources
  • Generated a step-by-step test procedure and analysis plan with diagrams
  • Performed risk assessment to ensure safety standards
  • Communicated progress through bi-weekly written and oral progress reports
  • Developed CAD models to 3D print test apparatus components
  • Constructed test apparatus using an S-type load cell in conjunction with a load cell amplifier and microcontroller

Results

Kevlar samples with various STF mixture ratios, from 0 to 40% (after puncture testing).
Kevlar samples with various STF mixture ratios, from 0 to 40% (after puncture testing).
  • Executed finalized test plan and procedures while adhering to safety standards
  • Tested polyethylene glycol and silicon carbide STF in four different mixtures ratios by saturating Kevlar samples
  • Recorded puncture test results using a microcontroller, Python, and HX711 board
  • Analyzed data and determined trends using Microsoft Excel
  • Increased average force required to puncture a Kevlar sample by 57%
Technical Report