It was mentioned on the Bulletproof episode of modern marvels. A substance that becomes harder as a bullet hits it, and becomes softer again when the force of the bullet is gone.
2006-07-13 15:25:58 · 20 answers · asked by agentx91 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
This is an example of a non-Newtonian fluid. Try making some Magic Mud! Just mix Cornstarch and Water. It is a liquid, but when you apply force (like squeeze it in your hand) it turns to solid, and when you let go it leaks through your fingers as a liquid. Very fun stuff.
2006-07-13 15:30:38 · answer #1 · answered by kneesox 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cornstarch is a good example. Someone mentioned squeezing it. My favorite trick was to mix it in a bowl with a spoon. As long as you gently stirred it you could pour it from the spoon. But if you tried to jam the spoon down into the bowl the spoon would just bounce off.
As mentioned above it is a non-newtonian fluid of the shear rate thickening type "dilatant fluid" may be the term you are looking for.
Might be a Rheopectic substance. Suggest you research Rheological behavior.
2006-07-13 23:46:48 · answer #2 · answered by Roadkill 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I seem to remember that, as i recall it's the metal that makes it go solid. As it hits the whole vest goes stiff. I think it has something to do with an electromagnetic field its more than just pressure. Of course you may be talking about something completey different and i may be no help at all.
2006-07-13 22:31:30 · answer #3 · answered by Soccer Stud 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only word I know is "sublimation". For example, dry ice changes from a solid to a gas and skips the liquid stage entirely.
2006-07-13 22:29:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
cornstarch - mix a little water with about a cup of cornstarch in a bowl, until it is a shiny paste. Then try and push your finger quickly into the liquid. It resists. Then when you take away the pressure, it returns to liquid.
see: http://www.seed.slb.com/en/scictr/lab/cornstarch/corn_res.htm
I also found this interesting video of cornstarch - http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?v=CH6-2UizHfI&search=science
2006-07-13 22:43:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Blizzard
2006-07-13 22:29:41 · answer #6 · answered by spyblitz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The non-n. fluid is right. Imagine speghetti entangled. If you pull at it gently you might be able to untangle it. But if you try to yank it fast, they'll get caught up.
2006-07-13 22:37:27 · answer #7 · answered by b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A phase transition. That happens when you supercool helium. It won't solidify (freeze) until you apply presure.
2006-07-13 23:20:10 · answer #8 · answered by NoPoaching 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
super cooled liquid
2006-07-13 22:30:03 · answer #9 · answered by lov308 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://store.aetv.com/html/product/index.jhtml?id=72432
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2006-07-13 22:39:20 · answer #10 · answered by Bruno 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋