Recent Bomb Blast Curtains That Can Endure Huge Explosions
In an experimental project that could just see light of day, the EPSRC or Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council is trying to develop a new kind of bomb blast curtains, which should not just be thinner but also more protective than current generation. This new curtain is designed to grow thicker when it gets stretched by explosive forces hence preventing shards or glasses from piercing through it. Auxetix and three other partners have engaged with EPSRC and Exeter University to develop this product commercially.
Such technologically superior nano-curtains are capable of preventing debris from entering inside a window by staying intact. They are so capable that they can prevent glass shards from causing life-threatening injuries to residents inside a room either due to an explosion or otherwise.
This curtain should find sufficient demand in Government buildings and high priority locations. They are designed to be affixed onto windows from the inside and should protect all inhabitants inside from explosions as well as severe weather conditions like hurricanes and typhoons.
The current generation of bomb-blast curtain is actually made from a thick net like fiber and it is used in tandem with a shatterproof film coated directly onto the window. This prevents shards of glasses from tearing through the curtain. However, the EPSRC developed curtain should remove the need for using shatterproof coating by making the curtain fibers individually more woven and resistant to external forces.
The new gen curtain uses two different kinds of fiber to provide extra strength and durability. One fiber is stretchy and it is used as the core over which the other fiber is coiled around. This latter fiber is stiffer and tends to straighten when a force is tangentially or normally exerted on it. The force experienced by the outer fiber causes the inner one to expand or bulge sideways providing protection from blasts. Such material is called auxetic because of this process. The Auxetic condition is determined based on the stiffness of the outer fiber, the angle of wrapping around the core and the diameter of both fibers. Through a series of fine alteration of each of these properties, researchers at EPSRC are figuring out various grades of blast-curtains suitable to individual situations.
Additional feature of this new age curtain is its ability to stay whole in severe blasts. The fabric shows a peculiar property of opening up tiny pores upon force that are just small enough to dissipate shockwaves but not large enough to provide entry to debris. They are in fact, quite capable of handling a hurricane without rupturing.
Measuring in at just around 1 to 2mm thick these blast-proof shields are transparent enough to allow natural light through and strong enough to prevent car bomb explosions from causing any harm. Testing has already begun in many Government facilities with certification procedures in full swing. Expect them to enter the market any time soon within five years.
Bomb blast curtains may also get accepted into other areas such as civil engineering, dentistry, and auxetic bandages. The reinforcement of soil using auxetic material shall prevent soil erosion, dental floss from this material will clean teeth better, and bandages containing antibiotics can be used for better healing.
