Howard Chen Rose Hills
Resistance and energy absorption of geometric shape
This project focuses on designing and optimizing a 3D-printed carbon fiber forearm protector to defend against strikes from various sources. The goal is to develop a forearm guard that maximizes impact resistance and energy absorption while minimizing material usage and maintaining comfort and mobility. By optimizing carbon fiber’s high strength-to-weight ratio and exploring different geometries, this research aims to determine the most efficient design for absorbing strikes from blunt/sharp weapons.
The core research question is: How does the shape of a carbon fiber forearm protector influence its ability to absorb and dissipate kinetic energy from impacts?
To have a further understanding of structural geometry is crucial for optimizing protective gear used in martial arts, sports, military applications, and industrial settings even. Many existing forearm protectors rely primarily on material strength without fully optimizing geometric design for impact absorption. This project seeks to contribute to the development of lightweight, high-performance protective gear that offers superior protection while remaining effective and cost-efficient.
Message To Sponsor
Thank you dearly for this opportunity that I may contribute to my community, give me a chance to use what I know to effect the community around me and make people safer while participating in sports. The reason I will always vouch for education is simple, to have the ability and understanding to change our world for the better, with this project I will continue to study for shapes and it’s effectiveness against strikes It is truly a honor to be funded to make better change, thank you.