An Integrated System for Synthesis and Performance Evaluation of Graphene-Metal Composite Structures for Smart Helmet Applications
Abstract
The thrust of this DURIP proposal is to build an integrated system for graphene-metal composite structures for smart helmet applications. The proposed system consists of three main research activities: (A) synthesize unique graphene-metal composite structures fornext-generation smart multifunctional helmet materials effective against mechanical, electrical, and thermal threats, (B) characterize the structural performance of the helmet materials under high-speed, dynamic loading conditions, and (C) evaluate the protectivefunctionality of the proposed graphene-metal composite structures using biologically relevant tissue simulants under well-controlled conditions that realistically mimic common mechanically induced injuries among war fighters. Each element is essential to address the Navy#s unique and challenging needs for protective gears, e.g., effective performance under a wide range of force (a few g to hundreds of g where g is the standard acceleration (9.8 m/s^2) due to gravity)with different characteristic time scales (0.1ms~1s). Inother words, the next-generation helmet materials/structures must provide mechanical protections against ballistic, blunt, and blast impacts while maintaining a minimum weight. The three research elements of the proposed DURIP project, together with several ONR funded projects that are currently performed at the PI#s lab, will offer light weight, high performance, protective structures. The significant reduction of helmet weight, compared to conventional helmets, will allow new functionality and provide a path to achieve the emerging technological concept of smart helmets, with integrated motion sensors, thermal imaging, night vision, and a heads-up display. This integrated smart helmet will be a game-changer that enables quicker, more-informed decision-making during military operations without increasing currently accepted helmet weight. Combat conditions have been rapidly changing due to the emergence of high-tech weapon systems and, as a result, the risks of injury of war fighters during their operations are ever increasing. Therefore, the development of high-performance protective gears, integrated with multifunctionality far beyond conventional mechanical protective capabilities, is of great interest to the Navy and the DoD. The PI has recently demonstrated that graphene-enhanced metal composites offer significantly improved mechanical, electrical, and thermal material responses, attractive features for the development of multifunctional helmet materials/structures. This DURIP project will provide required experimental capabilities that will acceleratePI#s ONR-funded research efforts and bring a technological paradigm shift in multifunctionality and versatility of the next-generation protection systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 06, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312230
Entities
People
- Wonmo Kang
Organizations
- Arizona State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy