3.0.

PROJECT DESIGN AND STRATEGY

All ideas and opinions regarding the project design and strategies in developing the
project are gathered from all team members and the best ones are being carefully
analyzed and chosen after a few discussions are being made with the team
members.

3.1. Specification of the Project

This project is based on a Physic concept which is known as the non-

Newtonian fluid. The concept of the non-Newtonian fluid is as follows; most
commonly, the viscosity (the measure of a fluid's ability to resist gradual
deformation by shear or tensile stresses) of non-Newtonian fluids is dependent on
shear rate or shear rate history. Therefore, a constant coefficient of viscosity cannot
be defined. To explain further, non-Newtonian fluids change their viscosity or flow
behavior under stress. If a pressure is applied to such fluids, the sudden application
of stress can cause them to get thicker and act like solids, or in some rare
circumstances, it results in the opposite behavior in which the fluids may get
runnier than they were before. Applying pressure to those fluids increases their
viscosity as it forces the fluid particles together. When the pressure applied is
removed slowly, the non-Newtonian fluids will return to their earlier state. This is
because when pressure is removed slowly, there will be more time for the fluid
particles to move out of the way. In this project, this concept will be applied in the
making of Shoebleck, a shoe pad.

The materials that are used to make the shoe pad (which consist of a mixture
of correct amount of cornstarch and water) will form a fluid which is categorized as
the non-Newtonian fluid. The effectiveness of this fluid is very crucial in making this
project a success as this fluid plays the major role to protect and to ensure the
comfort of those who will be wearing Shoebleck.

3.2. Planning and Strategy

 Some of the very important aspects that need to be considered to ensure
that this project would succeed are the project design and strategies. This project,
which is based on the non-Newtonian fluid, is made up of a mixture of a correct ratio
of measurement of cornstarch and water. A specific name for this fluid is Oobleck.
The mixture is going to be mixed well to obtain a fluid that can flow smoothly when
there is no pressure applied on it, but immediately turns to solid form when
pressure is exerted on it. The effectiveness of this mixture will be tested by tapping
the surface of the fluid. If the fluid hardens upon tapping, then the project would
have a high potential of succeeding. However, more cornstarch will be added to the
mixture if the fluid is too runny, or more water if the fluid formed is too thin. Food
coloring is added into the mixture in order to make any changes in the fluid visible.
This process is applied in doing our project, the Shoebleck. The fluid that is formed
from this process will be placed in a securely sealed plastic that is being readily
shaped into a shoe-like size earlier in the process.

3.3. Research

All team members are working hard on an intense research about the recent
application of this non-Newtonian fluid by the other companies and agencies, and
the result of this research is very mind-opening. The application of the non-
Newtonian fluid has been proposed by a Polish company named Mortex, in which
they has developed a new type of bulletproof vest that uses almost the exact same
technology. Rather than being filled with a rigid substance like Kevlar, this vest is
filled with a special type of non-Newtonian fluid that Moratex is simply calling
the Shear Thickening Fluid (STF). When a force is applied to it, it causes the liquids
viscosity to increase. The more force being applied, the more viscous the material
becomes so when its struck with a high-velocity projectile (like a bullet), the fluid
becomes incredibly hard almost instantaneously.

Amazingly, despite looking no more bulletproof than maple syrup, the STF is
more effective at stopping projectiles than a piece of solid Kevlar. Even the most
rigid material will tend to bend inward a few centimeters when hit with a fast-
moving projectile, but Moratexs specially designed STF insert will only experience
one centimeter of indentation when hit with a bullet moving at 1,400 feet per
second or faster. This ultimately translates to less impact felt by the wearer, and
less risk of being seriously injured. In addition to stopping bullets more effectively,
Moratexs liquid armor is also lighter and more flexible than traditional bulletproof
vests, so it doesnt restrict the wearers movement as much. Bulletproofing is just
the beginning, too. According to Moratex, STF has applications beyond body armor,
and could be used in things like professional sports inserts, car bumpers, or road
barriers.

3.4. Material Development

As a guideline for the shaping of the shoe pad, the proposal team will be
choosing a sketch out of several sketches that are being made by the proposal team
members. One of the examples of sketch that has a high potential of being chosen
is as shown below:

The prototype is simply made by using simple materials such as cornstarch and
water, where the mixture of cornstarch and water is placed into the shoe-like plastic
which is then sealed to form a shoe pad. These materials are easily available in any
stores or markets and are highly affordable. Therefore, Shoebleck can be produced
in a large quantity at the lowest cost possible. Furthermore, these materials does
not bring harm to the environment if they are being trashed properly. Notices will be
given to the users upon the selling of this product regarding the proper trashing of
these materials.