Lightweight protective configurations against blast and fragments impact: Experimental and numerical studies

Lightweight protective configurations against blast and fragment impacts were studied experimentally and numerically. The configurations comprised different combinations of Kevlar fabrics, laminated GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyester), polyurethane (PU) foam, and alumina (Al2O3). The polyurethane (PU)–sand multi-layer composition and a mixture of polyurethane–sand and polyurethane–alumina powder were also studied. The protective configurations were tested under static detonation of a scaled down artillery shell. Protective capabilities were tested against a peak incident overpressure of 57 psi and fragments weighing up to 4.3 g carrying velocities in the range of 961 m/s–1555 m/s. Numerical simulations were performed using ANSYS AUTODYN. The coupled SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics)–ALE (Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian) approach was used to simulate the interaction of fragments with protective configurations. A coupled Euler–ALE approach was employed for blast wave loading on protective configurations. The Kevlar fabrics, laminated GFRP, and PU foam compositions provided significant absorption and attenuation to impacting fragments. Configurations employing alumina tile were able to withstand both blast and fragment impacts without significant backface signatures (blunt force trauma). The configurations can be employed as body armor, vehicle armor, and for the safety and security of other critical infrastructures against blast wave and high velocity fragment impact. Numerical simulation results are in fair agreement with experimental results.