Shock enhancement effect of lightweight composite structures and materials

• Published in: Composites. Part B, Engineering Vol. 42; no. 5; pp. 1202 - 1211
• Main Authors: Zhu, Feng, Chou, Clifford C., Yang, King H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Fabrics/textiles; A. Foams; A. Layered structures; Amplification; animals; Applied sciences; B. Impact behavior; Blast loading; Cellular; Composite materials; Composite structures; Exact sciences and technology; foams; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Fractures; Lightweight; Mathematical models; Mechanical properties and methods of testing. Rheology. Fracture mechanics. Tribology; Metals. Metallurgy; Plastic foam; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Protective; risk; Technology of polymers; Textiles; Weight reduction; Blast loading; A. Fabrics/textiles; A. Layered structures; B. Impact behavior; A. Foams; Synthetic fiber; Theoretical study; Mechanical properties; Thermoplastic rubber; Cellular plastic; Modeling; Composite material; Polyurethane elastomer; Impact strength; Natural fiber; Metal foam; Blast wave; Ballistics; Woven material; Plastics; Damaging
• ISSN: 1359-8368; 1879-1069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2011.02.014

Polymeric foams, textile materials and metallic foams are commonly used lightweight composite structures and materials for personal protective equipment (PPE) and protective structures in the battle field, because of their capabilities in reducing the risk of damages against ballistic impact. Under blast loading, however, a “shock enhancement” phenomenon has been observed in these materials, that is, the transmitted pressure is amplified, rather than attenuated as one would expect. Experimental evidences also demonstrated that covering animals with a layer of foam or textile could markedly increase the severity of lung injury. A number of studies have been published documenting such counter-intuitive effect. This review attempts to compile the state-of-arts and latest advances in this important subject. Experimental investigations on the pressure amplification of the aforementioned materials are summarized. Analytical/computational models that describe this phenomenon, particularly emphasizing on the mechanism and some key parameters affecting shock enhancement behavior, are also included. Finally, limitations of studies reviewed herein are discussed and issues which need to be addressed in further research are highlighted.