Lightweight Robust Blast Mitigation Materials

Try entering 'explosion supression systems' into a browser?

Why do you need to know it is important.

We are currently looking to develop a hybrid system that is light in design, however must be able to still perform against the nature of a blast/ballistic-fire-explosion, sinve some materials work well, byt require a combination of materials to be suitable and practical.

HN

By it's nature a high explosive is a fast rising square wave front. The energy goes at the speed of sound and rises to a max in a very short time. theThe way to sap energy is to have thin layers of strong high density material separated by thicker layers of lower density material.

A thick hard material propagates the wave and suffers spalling at the front and rear surface due to impedance mismatch. very thin layers accelerate and then run into the dissipative effect of the energy absorption layers, but they do not suffer spalling.

This is my speculation as to how to do it. experiment needed. a tough layer of ALON 1/20" thick with 1/8" layers of ballistic fiber repeated a few times. Sometimes they use thicker layers of chobham type armour in overlapping pockets with ballistic fiber to make flak jackets for gunners.

For inner layers you do not need optically clear alon = a lot cheaper. alon = aluminum oxynitride

Low explosives are a lot different and a strong box blocks them

Are you sure about the chobham armour in flak jackets? It is heavy and contains an explosive charge of it own I recently saw a docu that explained how it works, it was all over in a flash.

That is reactive armor. That explodes on impact and ruins the hot needle of copper rich plasma that can penetrate 10-20 inches of armor from a shaped charge and also deforms long rod penetrators..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reactive_armour

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chobham_armour

Yes I know I design armour for Our MOD.

We are working with both military vehicle systems and homeland security products.

We currently have a project for homeland security products combining alternative lightweight materials to contain in very a confined short (1-3ft) stand-off distance.

Would you be more in the design for protective armour, vehicle or homeland security products?

HN

'Prevention is better than cure.' The clever money is still on explosion suppression systems, though there is still some value in adequate venting so as to channel the explosion away to a safe place.

How close to the explosive are we talking?

There is two types of stand-off distances, and each require diiferent combinations of materials. Firstly we would be most interested in a very close range 1-3 ft. in distance. Our goal is keeping materials (combination of) that will be used to be lightweight, such as reinforced composites, so materials that will first scramble the energy wave, that will reduce the pressure, then, have resistance against the blast and to also contain fragmentation.

We would alternative materials, such as polyeuro coatings, etc. than traditional materials such as steel, concrete and ceramic.

We are also looking to potentially hire an expert in blast-ballistic protection as a contract consultant for this project.

HN

Kevlar either in 1/16" thickness layers or rigid laminates or a combination of both.

If it is a "Defense" application Lancer Systems L.P. may be able to help in development.

If fact even if it isn't a defense application they would want to talk to you.

Specifically call Ken Kim in the US at 215-256-9521 x1854 at Lancer Systems L.P.

They have a solution that will address blast, ballistics, and heat mitigation.

Thanks, I will contact this group after my meeting today. thanks again.

HN