Can Oobleck Serve as Effective Body Armor?

Oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid made from cornstarch and water, is known for its unique properties, which have sparked interest in its potential use as body armor. This article explores the potential and limitations of using Oobleck in protective gear.

Potential Applications

The primary appeal of Oobleck in body armor lies in its remarkable properties:

Shock Absorption

Due to its ability to behave like a liquid under slow movement and solidify under sudden force, Oobleck can potentially absorb and dissipate energy from impacts, making it a promising material for protective gear.

Lightweight

In comparing Oobleck to traditional body armor materials, it is significantly lighter, which can be a considerable advantage in terms of mobility and comfort.

Flexibility

One of the most notable traits of Oobleck is its ability to conform to the body, offering both comfort and flexibility.

Limitations and Challenges

Despite its intriguing properties, Oobleck faces several challenges in practical application:

Durability

Oobleck is prone to drying out and losing its effectiveness if exposed to the air for extended periods. Additionally, it is not water-resistant, which can be a significant drawback in various environments.

Temperature Sensitivity

Extreme temperatures can alter Oobleck's properties, making it less reliable in varying conditions.

Practicality

Designing a durable and effective armor using Oobleck is a significant challenge. The fluid would need to be contained in a way that maintains its non-Newtonian properties, which adds to the complexity of development.

Conclusion

Theoretical and experimental research has shown that while Oobleck has potential, practical applications in body armor are limited. Current materials like Kevlar or other synthetic fibers are still more effective and reliable for body armor.

Several tests have been conducted to investigate the use of Oobleck in body armor. For example, a video (watch here) demonstrates that even a considerable thickness of Oobleck (at least 6 inches for a 9mm round) provides minimal protection. It is significantly less effective than traditional soft Kevlar armor which can be concealed under regular clothing.

Exploration into more suitable materials with similar properties to Oobleck has continued, but no promising results have been reported yet.