Energy Absorbing Sandwich Structures Under Blast Loading

A recent experimental study at the Army Research Laboratories shows that flat panels with various foam or honeycomb faceplates transferred more energy to a structure under blast loading relative to a structure without an energy absorbing faceplate. Ideally, the foam or honeycomb material should transfer less energy to the structure since it absorbs energy while it deforms plastically. Non-uniform deformation of the energy absorbing material may lead to increased pressure on the panel, causing kinetic energy transfer to the plate. One objective of this work is to simulate the non-uniform response of the honeycomb panel subject to blast loading. Most of the work involves an investigation into the optimum design of the honeycomb structure for energy absorption during blast loading. In this paper, only a square-celled honeycomb structure is studied. Variables under investigation for this paper are the core and face sheet thicknesses of the honeycomb sandwich structure. Results of a DOE study are attained, which evaluate the relative contribution of panel variables to energy absorption. Also, the results of a preliminary optimization study are discussed along with some of problems faced during this study.