Breakthroughs by Madmonk

Justin Sawyers, PM
Peter Sohl
Ryan Hoffman

Breakthroughs

Amorphous metal technologies are the wave of the future in the Defense Sector. The electromagnetic shielding properties of so-called “liquid metals” make them the substance of choice to protect sensitive battlefield electronics from Atmospheric Nuclear Detonations. The liquid-like configuration of the metal molecules makes it virtually impervious to rust and other corrosion. These amazing compounds are even capable of deflecting bullets from troops like a trampoline deflects a nine-year old. Looking at the plethora of extremely tangible benefits, one must question why the Pentagon and comparable Ministries throughout Europe and the World have yet to implement these protective measures.
Many in the Defense industry question the effectiveness of a vest produced from these substances. Most skeptics are prejudiced against any compound with the alias “glassy metal”. These skeptics, though misinformed, carry enough clout to prevent real integration of this technology. Other DoD (U.S. Department of Defense) budget specialists and deficit-hawks claim that the cost-to-benefit ratio is too high. The most basic human morality dictates, however, that no price can be set on a human life, thousands of which AEONS armor has the potential to save.
Other impediments to the wide-scale implementation of amorphous armor are purely scientific. First, foremost, and perhaps the largest limitation of all is the difficulty involved in reprocessing amorphous metal. While this material is stronger and more durable than any other tactical material, it is not impervious. When, for example, a tank sustains a hole from an unusually powerful bullet, the mechanic can’t just weld a new plate on, as AEONS armor cannot be welded without crystallization and loss of strength. Due to the chaotic molecular structure that gives it its incredible strength, amorphous metal has a tendency to crack rather than just have a hole put in it, as true metals do. Should a plate of AEONS armor become cracked beyond repair, there is currently no easy way of recycling the metal. While there are some methods available toady, they are slow, costly, and produce impure and much weaker products.
To close: for AEONS armor to be better implemented, two breakthroughs must occur. First, the DoD, needs to give corporations researching and developing these compounds the money that they need to succeed, in stark contrast to the relative pocket change being doled out now. Second, science must develop a way of quickly, easily, and efficiently recycling amorphous metal. With this knowledge in the proverbial pockets of the Defense industry, amorphous metal will revolutionize warfare.