Replacing asphalt used on speed bumps with non-Newtonian fluid?

  • #1
overthinkingeinstein
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TL;DR Summary
Use of non-newtonian fluid known as oobleck (shear thickening dilatant) on speed bump.Someone give me enlightment/comment on this please!
I've been curious about this for such a long time,as a civil engineering major,i want to submit an idea about changing the material of speed bump,from asphalt and aggregate to non- newtonian fluid which is oobleck .There are several vital reasons to support my idea.For example,the currently used speed bump have several negative effect to environment and society such as :

1) Damage to vehicles
2) Impediment of emergency vehicles
3) Higher pollution level following the carbon emmision released before,during and after the construction of speed bump
4) Spinal damage to occupant
5) Increase traffic during evasion
6) High in cost

Oobleck (cornstarch mixed with water) is a fluid that does not have a constant viscosity and have a variable relationship with shear stress.Simply say,it will remain in a form of liquid when there's no force exerted on it and will harden in opposite condition.From my research this happen due to shape of cornstarch particles (long & thin).During the mixing process,the cornstarch does not dissolve but remains in suspension.When the mixture is stir slowly,the particle slide past each other but when the mixture is stir faster ,the particles tangle with each other resulting the mixture to turn solid temporarily.

So my idea on this concept is to create a speed bump from a mixture of cornstarch and water,this may sound ridiculous but i think this idea have big potential in civil engineering field.It will be fair to prudence driver since the hardness of the speed bump depend on shear stress exerted on it.Can someone comment on pros & cons of my idea,it's just a random thought of mine after watching some ig reels but yeay i think this will go big someday.
 
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  • #2
Oobleck won't keep it's form: it's very point is that without container it'll just slowly do what fluids usually do.
Also, it'll be thinned by rain and will be fermented within a few weeks.
Bugs and animals will sure like it, though. Drivers - I guess they won't like the sticky (and, after a few weeks of deployment: stinky) mess so much.
 
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  • #3
what if i develop a sustainable and strong enough case to contain the oobleck?,like using a thick and high quality rubber on first layer of the case then add some water & fire resistance material for second layer,if it doesn't work out maybe i'll find another way to counter this issues
 
  • #4
Welcome to PF.

If everyone drove at the speed limit, there would be no need for speed bumps, no damage to cars, and no spinal damage. Speed bumps are there to prevent people taking shortcuts through quiet areas, rather than remaining on the major roads.

How could the cornstarch identify an emergency vehicle before it hit the bump?

Why not just install many speed cameras, then start issuing fines proportional to speed above the limit.
 
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  • #5
to be honest,i don't plan to apply my idea on a main road or highway at first,i'm planning to install this oobleck speed bump at close area such as underground mall parking,thanks for the reply buddy!
 
  • #6
How can changing the speed bump material make any difference?
It will still be a speed bump.
 
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  • #7
Baluncore said:
Why not just install many speed cameras, then start issuing fines proportional to speed above the limit.
This may be a temporary problem. New vehicles have brains and it could easily become mandatory for them to 'behave' when going through a speed limited area. Even Google Maps (the server) seems to know how fast you're going and where you are . It might (definitely would) upset some drivers but insurers could co operate with authorities and effectively issue fines inside yearly auto premiums.

I have very little sympathy for people who go just too fast. Even elderly pensioners indulge their inner boy racer and complain about speed restrictions.
 
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