Method for evaluating flexible protective materials in water jet work and investigation of associated destructive mechanisms

Abstract

Water jet work is used in a variety of settings, including material processing and washing. Protective clothing currently used in water jet work is made from metal and other rigid materials. Areas near joints, where flexibility is required, remain insufficiently protected. To contribute to the goal of developing flexible protective materials that can be used to produce protective gloves for water jet work, we propose a method for evaluating the protective performance of candidate materials along with a testing apparatus, of which we create a prototype. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through testing of rubber and other materials. An investigation of the destructive mechanism at work in flexible materials reveals that the mode of destruction in thin, flexible materials suitable for use in protective gloves differs significantly from that affecting ordinary materials.