US and Canadian skiers get smart armour
I bet Roland wishes he had seen this post last week! --steve A futuristic flexible material that instantly hardens into armour upon impact will protect US and Canadian skiers from injury on the slalom runs at this year's Winter Olympics. The lightweight bendable material, known as d3o, can be worn under normal ski clothing. It will provide protection for US and Canadian skiers taking part in slalom and giant slalom races in Turin, Italy. Skiers normally have to wear bulky arm and leg guards to protect themselves from poles placed along the slalom run. Skiwear company Spyder, based in Colorado, US, developed racing suits incorporating d3o along the shins and forearms and offered members of the US and Canadian Olympic alpine ski teams the chance to try them out several months ago. "Now they love it and won't ski without it," claims Richard Palmer, CEO of UK-based d3o Labs, which developed the material. Although the exact chemical ingredients of d3o are a commercial secret, Palmer says the material is synthesised by mixing together a viscose fluid and a polymer. Following synthesis, liquid d3o is poured into a mould that matches the shape of the body part it will protect. Read more... This was seized 4 u at New Scientist |
Comments on "US and Canadian skiers get smart armour"
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Roland said ... (Thu Feb 16, 06:12:59 PM CET) :
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steve said ... (Fri Feb 17, 08:57:51 AM CET) :
post a commentYea - I bet you waited with this story un til I went to my Olympic games at the Olympic Svchwarzwald Arena. Hovewer: It seems that I got through it without any bigger injuries but I did not win a medal either...;-)
I'm glad that you survived your first ski trip!