Incorporation of shear thickening fluid effects into computational modelling of woven fabrics subjected to impact loading : a review

Soft armour consisting of multi-layered high-performance fabrics are a popular choice for personal protection. Extensive work done in the last few decades suggests that shear thickening fluids improve the impact resistance of woven fabrics. Shear thickening fluid-impregnated fabrics have been proven as an ideal candidate for producing comfortable, high-performance soft body armour. However, the mechanism of defeating a projectile using a shear thickening fluid-impregnated multi-layered fabric is not fully understood and can be considered as a gap in the research done on the improvement of soft armour. Even though considerable progress has been achieved on dry fabrics, limited studies have been performed on shear thickening fluid-impregnated fabrics. The knowledge of simulation of multi-layered fabric armour is not well developed. The complexity in creating the geometry of the yarns, incorporating friction between yarns and initial pre-tension between yarns due to weaving patterns make the numerical modelling a complex process. In addition, the existing knowledge in this area is widely dispersed in the published literature and requires synthesis to enhance the development of shear thickening fluid-impregnated fabrics. Therefore, this article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current methods of modelling shear thickening fluid-impregnated fabrics with a critical analysis of the techniques used. The review is preceded by an overview of shear thickening behaviour and related mechanisms, followed by a discussion of innovative approaches in numerical modelling of fabrics. A novel state-of-the-art means of modelling shear thickening fluid-impregnated fabrics is proposed in conclusion of the review of current methods. A short case study is also presented using the proposed approach of modelling.