Explosive Blast Loading of Biosimulants Through Ballistic Protective Materials

Abstract

The effects that different materials coupled together can have on blast mitigation are not well understood. In 2013, the Army Research Laboratory in collaboration with PEO Soldier and Columbia University executed an experimental program to understand how different materials and the coupling of materials affect blast mitigation. Over 70 different material coupons were assessed including fabric, rigid materials, and biological surrogates. These materials were chosen based on properties such as impedance, sound speed, shear storage modulus, dynamic tensile modulus, Young’s modulus, and areal density. A 1.5 pound pentolite sphere was used to ensure a repeatable blast environment. A synthetic gelatin witness block was instrumented to capture the blast loading transferred through each material type. Pressure sensors were placed on the front of the material, in the witness block, and on the rear surface of the witness block. These sensors were both novel film pressure gages from Columbia University and PCBpiezotronic pressure gages. In analyzing the results, empirical relationships were examined to understand how blast is transmitted through a combination of materials. These findings can be used to guide material design considerations for protective equipment.

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