What materials can absorb impact from a 3-story drop?

[tenacity2986]

What are the properties of acrylic? I am building an acrylic robot that is hollow and shaped as a ball and needs to be able to absorb an impact from a 3 story building ( 20 foot drop)... It can be covered in some polymer or other material. Anyone know of any materials that can absorb the impact?

 

[Mech_Engineer]

You can look up material properties on this website: www.matweb.com

If it looks like acrylic might not fit the bill you should look into using Lexan, which is some very tough stuff. Link: Difference between Lexan and Acrylic (Plexiglass).

 

[oswaler]

There are several materials that can potentially absorb the impact from a 3-story drop, depending on the specific design and construction of the robot. Some options include:

1. Rubber: Rubber is a common material used for shock absorption due to its elasticity and ability to deform under pressure, dissipating the impact energy. It is also lightweight and can be easily molded into different shapes.

2. Foam: Foam materials, such as polyurethane foam, are also commonly used for impact absorption. They have a cellular structure that allows them to compress and absorb energy when subjected to a force.

3. Gel: Similar to foam, gel materials have a high capacity for energy absorption due to their ability to deform under pressure. They are also lightweight and can be molded into different shapes.

4. Kevlar: Kevlar is a strong and lightweight synthetic fiber that is commonly used in bulletproof vests and other protective gear. It has high tensile strength and can absorb a significant amount of energy before breaking.

Now, as for the properties of acrylic, it is a transparent thermoplastic material that is lightweight, strong, and impact resistant. It is also highly resistant to weathering and UV radiation, making it suitable for outdoor use. Acrylic has a high tensile strength, meaning it can withstand a significant amount of force before breaking or deforming. It is also relatively easy to mold and shape, making it a suitable material for creating a hollow ball-shaped robot.

In terms of covering the acrylic robot with a polymer or other material, it would depend on the specific properties and design of the polymer. Ideally, the covering material should also have high impact resistance and be able to absorb energy without breaking or damaging the underlying acrylic structure. Some options to consider could be polyurethane, polycarbonate, or even a layer of rubber or foam.

Overall, the key properties to consider when selecting materials for impact absorption are strength, elasticity, and the ability to dissipate energy. By carefully choosing and combining materials, it is possible to create a robot that can withstand a 3-story drop and other high-impact situations.