The Energy Absorption Capability of Composite Materials and Structures: Influence of Impact Loading

Abstract

In this paper, the energy absorption capability of composite materials and performance-critical structures made from using these materials under conditions of impact loading is presented and discussed. An overview is provided of the key events associated with detonation and decomposition of an explosive that eventually culminates in the generation of a shock wave that exerts an impact type of loading on structures both in contact and in the immediate vicinity. The blast loads that culminate from an explosive often tend to generate very high strain rates in the range of 102/sec to 104/sec. The resultant high rate of loading does tend to exert an influence on dynamic mechanical properties of the targeted structure besides exerting an influence on damage mechanisms experienced by the structural element. The progressive use of composite materials for structures, such as sandwich panels, that essentially comprise of a mixture of composite face sheets and foam cores was shown by researchers, based on actual field test data, to offer few to many advantages over usual metal counterparts when it came to the purpose of offering acceptable blast resistance. Thus, it became both essential and desirable to assess the blast response of composite structures made using appropriate selection of composite materials. Through the years several independent research studies have been conducted to understand the influence of blast loading on the response kinetics of sandwich panels. Key highlights of the research done and resultant findings obtained from these studies is presented and briefly discussed The importance of both material selection and resultant structure for providing adequate protection against an impact type of loading caused by an explosive device, such as Improvised Explosive Device (IED), is highlighted through appropriate summary of research conducted and published in the open literature. The need and necessity for developing new and improved materials, composite in nature, that can be used for performance-critical structures that can also offer an enhanced level of safety to all personal involved in emphasized.