Created by engineers at the University of Wisconsin, an absorbent and lightweight nanotube-based foam could substantially cushion helmets to protect people from the substantial force of hard blows. This new material shows 18 times greater energy absorption than the foam that is currently being used by the United States military in addition to having greater strength and stiffness and could provide improved protection during impacts.
The substantial physical force from collisions can substantially impact the brain and lead to concussions. As a result, materials that better absorb and dissipate this energy before it connects with the brain could help to lessen the seriousness of traumatic brain injuries.
The Value of the New Nanotube-Based Foam Helmet
The helmet manufacturer Team Wendy is currently experimenting with this new material in the lining of helmets. They aim to determine how the cushioning acts in real-world accidents. The material currently holds substantial potential regarding energy absorption and could thus lessen the impact of brain injuries.
The Unique Structure of the Nanotube-Based Foam Helmet
Illustration of this new material, which has a unique structure including various micrometer-scale cylinder structures made of countless carbon nanotubes. The material has a distinct structure, including various micrometer-scale cylinder structures that are made of carbon nanotubes. These structures provide the material with its shock-absorbent abilities.
The new material is a structured, vertically-aligned nanotube foam. To build it, researchers began with carbon nanotubes which are carbon cylinders that are only atom-wide.
The Role of Carbon Nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes have phenomenal mechanical attributes, and to further improve their performances, researchers created a material with distinct structural features across various lengths. The material’s unique structure includes many small cylinder structures made from carbon nanotubes.
Finding out the foam’s unique design parameters, including the thickness of cylinders, their inner diameter, and the difference between adjacent cylinders was not easy. The researchers performed experiments where they varied structures and lengths and studied the results.
The winning combination turned out to be cylinders of a thickness of at most 10 micrometers that were arranged closely together. This combination created a foam with the most absorbent qualities.
Commentary by Scientists on the Project
Scientists who worked on the project commented that they expected the overall properties to improve due to interactive architecture. Scientists, however, were surprised by how substantially the properties were improved by cylinders that were at most 10 millimeters thick.
Additionally, the new material is shock-absorbant at both high and low temperatures. This is due to its construction from carbon nanotubes, which makes it helpful for usage in wide-ranging situations.
Speak With a Seasoned Accident Attorney
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries can leave people facing serious injuries. Hopefully, this new technology will help to improve the outlook for people who are injured in accidents. We also hope it lessens the number of people who suffer traumatic brain injuries. If you or a loved one has received one of these injuries, you should not hesitate to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer about obtaining the compensation you deserve. Contact House Law LLC today for assistance.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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