MITIGATION SYSTEMS FOR CONFINED BLAST LOADING - CREW PROTECTION IN ARMORED VEHICLES

Abstract

Confined blast behavior and blast mitigation structures for the protection of occupants within a confined space subjected to high explosive blast, were examined through numerical analysis and laboratory testing. The mitigating structure's weight and geometry were of particular interest since performance was targeted for inclusion within the limited interior space of an armored vehicle. Numerical analysis using eta/VPG modeling software and LS DYNA dynamic analysis software examined the effects of blast mitigation compartments of varying geometries and dimensions for extremely close standoff distances for free field and confined blast events. Large 150 pound steel plates were used to occupy the confined space and examine occupant risk for head and chest acceleration injuries. Cylinders varied in wall thickness, diameter and shielding height. The energy absorption capability of these varying mitigation compartments produced counterintuitive results. Full scale laboratory tests of open ended cylindrical mitigation shields for free-field and confined blast correlation were conducted. Numerical "blast-test" dummies are introduced and found to produce analogous results to the aforementioned steel plates for chest accelerations. This dummy study shows the potential and necessity for additional research into a valuable, more advanced FEA tool to evaluate human response to direct blast.