Study of oobleck in impact damping: efficiency, applications, and limitations

Abstract

This study investigated the behavior of the non-Newtonian fluid oobleck, composed of a mixture of cornstarch and water, focusing on its ability to absorb impacts. By using calibrated cubes of different weights and drop heights, the impact force was measured both in the presence and absence of the fluid. The results showed that oobleck can reduce the impact force by a range of 27% to 49%, depending on the weight and height of the cubes. This significant reduction is attributed to the dilatant properties of the fluid, which under high stress conditions behaves like a temporary solid, absorbing and dissipating the impact energy. The research suggests that oobleck has potential practical applications in areas requiring high energy absorption, such as impact protection or cushioning systems in industrial settings. However, the study acknowledges limitations, including the cornstarch concentration and experimental conditions, highlighting the need for further research to optimize its use in different contexts.