Title: Applications of shear thickening fluids: a review

Authors: Tongfei Tian; Masami Nakano; Weihua Li

Addresses: Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia ' New Industry Creation Hatchery Centre, Tohoku University, Japan ' Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia

Abstract: Shear thickening fluids (STFs) are a type of non-Newtonian fluids. In the equilibrium state, the STFs are in liquid-state. However, they become solid-state under a sudden strike or impact. And when the strike or impact is removed, the STFs can turn back to their equilibrium properties. This paper provides a detailed review on relevant literature related to the applications with shear thickening fluids. It introduced the factors affecting shear-thickening behaviour including volume fraction, particle size, particle shape, carrier fluid viscosity, temperature and some other factors. The review has concisely demonstrated the compositions and rheological properties of shear thickening fluids. Particular emphasis is laid on the applications of shear thickening fluids such as body armours, smart structures, multifunctional materials, and other potential applications.

Keywords: shear thickening; fluids; applications; modelling; hydrocluster; nanoparticles; effecting factors; liquid body armour; smart structure; multifunction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHM.2018.092733

International Journal of Hydromechatronics, 2018 Vol.1 No.2, pp.238 - 257

Received: 02 May 2018
Accepted: 24 May 2018

Published online: 28 Jun 2018 *

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