High strain rate characterization of shock absorbing materials for landmine protection concepts

Article type: Research Article

Authors: McArthur, Jennifer | Salisbury, Christopher | Cronin, Duane | Worswick, Michael | Williams, Kevin

Affiliations: University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W., Waterloo, ON, Canada N2L 3G1. Tel.: +1 519 888 4567 x 2346; E-mail: jmotuz@lagavulin.uwaterloo.ca | Defence Research Establishment Valcartier, 2459 Pie XI Blvd. Nord, Val Bélair, Quebec, Canada G3J 1X5

Abstract: Numerical modelling of footwear to protect against anti-personnel landmines requires dynamic material properties in the appropriate strain rate regime to accurately simulate material response. Several materials (foamed metals, honeycombs and polymers) are used in existing protective boots, however published data at high strain rates is limited. Dynamic testing of several materials was performed using Split Hopkinson Pressure Bars (SHPB) of various sizes and materials. The data obtained from these tests has been incorporated into material models to predict the initial stress wave propagation through the materials. Recommendations for the numerical modeling of these materials have also been included.

Journal: Shock and Vibration, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 179-186, 2003