Release of metamaterials caught in ammunition

Over the past few years, the science has made great strides in the field of bulletproof materials for soldiers and government officials. Most recently, US researchers have released a paper-like "metamaterial" that is capable of intercepting bullets flying in the air.

According to Discovery, a team of material specialists and mechanical engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Rice University have successfully developed a special material that can cling to the bullets. laboratory. Their research has been published in a recent issue of Nature Communications.

The two leading researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and
Rice University's side-by-side metamorphic sample caught flying ammunition in the laboratory. (Photo: Discovery)

The new material is a synthetic polymer structure, which is actually capable of self-aligning into glass and rubber layers alternately. In ballistic missile experiments at the MIT Institute of MIT Nanotechnology, layers of 20 nanometers (1 nanometer = 1 / billion meters) metamaterials can block a 9mm bullet and pin Tail its tail.

One of the challenges in creating thinner and lighter protection products, however, is the ability to test these promising, new materials effectively in the laboratory. Researchers need to know exactly why such nanoparticles are so good at dissipating energy, but analyzing the polymer can be very time consuming.

So, the team has come up with an innovative testing method that helps them shoot small glass beads into the material. Although the glass particles are only about 1 / millionth of a meter, they have also simulated the effects of bullets, the MIT site said. Under the scanning electron microscope, the layers of the new metamaterial look parallel to the line at regular intervals so that the impact of the catch can be clearly seen.

Nanomaterials, along with improved testing methods, can be transformed into superior protection products in addition to bulletproof clothing. According to the researchers, these advances could promote the development of protective robes for satellites and even turbine blades from jet engines.