Testing novel bite-resistant wetsuit fabrics with a shark-bite simulator (RoboShark)

Project description

Wetsuits with strong fibres (e.g. Kevlar) woven into the fabric have been proposed to reduce the severity of shark bites by reducing lacerations and puncture wounds. However, the ability of these new fabrics to reduce injuries is unknown. A newly built shark-bite simulator (the ‘roboshark’) will be used to test whether the bite and shake motion of white, tiger and bull sharks is sufficient to penetrate through these fabrics and cause damage to the underlying tissue. This study will be useful to private and governmental agencies as well as the general public to make better decisions about the use and suitability of these fabrics, and therefore will reduce risks from shark interactions.

Co-supervisors

Prof Corey Bradshaw and Mrs Maddie Riley

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