Chapter 6 - Influence of Curvature and Load Direction on the Air-Blast Response of Singly Curved Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Laminate and Sandwich Panels

Abstract

This chapter reports the results of an experimental investigation into the influence of curvature, construction type, and load direction on the air-blast response of singly curved glass fiber reinforced epoxy laminate and sandwich panels. Equivalent mass glass fiber reinforced epoxy laminates and PVC foam cored sandwich panels were manufactured using a vacuum infusion technique. Three radii of curvature were manufactured: flat (infinite), convex (+500mm radius) and concave (500mm radius). The blast test results showed that the laminate panels were superior to the sandwich panels, with higher charge masses required to cause panel rupture. The convex panels exhibited lower impulse transfer than the concave and flat panels. The convex sandwich panels were better than the other sandwich panels, showing lower damage levels for a given charge mass and also higher charge mass rupture initiation for the back face sheet. Recommendations include increasing the thickness of the front face sheet to delay the onset of rupture.