Flexible, fibrous energy managing composite panels
AssigneeUniversity of Massachusetts
InventorsArmand F. Lewis, Yong K. Kim
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Abstract
A flexible, fibrous energy managing composite panel includes multiple flocked energy absorbing material (FEAM) layers separated by dividers. The FEAM layers can be single side or double side and can be fabricated from monofilament fibers having different properties (e.g., length and denier) flocked onto various substrates. The dividers can include sheets, fabrics, films, foam, spacer fabrics to separate the flock fibers in adjacent layers. The composite panels can be processed for breathability and flexibility. Other embodiments include piezoelectric FEAM layers and dividers for electronic sensing applications, and application of composite panels to body armor and the outer shells of helmets.
Claims16
A flexible, fibrous energy managing composite panel comprising:
- a plurality of Flocked Energy Absorbing Material (FEAM) layers, each layer comprising:
- a substrate having a first surface;
- a first multiplicity of monofilament fibers, each having a first end and a second end, each of the first multiplicity of monofilament fibers being attached, at their first ends to the first surface of the substrate with the second ends of the first multiplicity of monofilament fibers extending away from the first surface of the substrate and remaining loose;
- and
- at least one divider disposed between the loose second ends of the first multiplicity of fibers of each of two adjacent layers of the plurality of FEAM layers to prevent the intermeshing of the loose second ends of the first multiplicity of fibers of each of two adjacent layers of the plurality of FEAM layers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.