Experimental Study on the Measurement of Dynamic Strains for Composite T-Joint Subjected to Hydrodynamic Ram Using PVDF Sensors

Abstract

Hydrodynamic ram (HRAM) is a type of combat damage that occurs when a highspeed projectile passes through the fluid in the structure and explodes. Since the vibration of structure due to HRAM includes high frequency components, sensors for measuring dynamic strain signals having wide frequency bands are needed. In this paper, an experimental study was performed to demonstrate the feasibility of using a PVDF sensor to monitor the dynamic strains of a composite T-Joint subjected to HRAM pressure. The PVDF sensor calibration test was performed to determine the resistance and capacitance for the entire circuit of the measuring equipment. An HRAM test of a composite T-Joint was performed using a ram simulator which can generate HRAM pressure. The failure behavior of the T-Joint due to HRAM pressure was measured using a PVDF sensor and strain gauges. The dynamic strain measurement and damage detection of structures subjected to HRAM using a PVDF sensor were investigated.