Mitigation of Blast Injuries through Modeling and Simulation

Protection Engineering Consultants (PEC) will use the results of the Phase I numerical analyses of armored tactical vehicles subjected to landmine detonation to further explore, develop, and validate state-of-the-art numerical modeling and simulation (M&S) tools and techniques. In Phase I, PEC identified the key technical issues, which include the high loading rate behavior of materials and bolted and welded connections, human surrogate modeling, and load predictions for landmines. These issues will be examined in more detail, through a combination of experimental and analytical approaches. The resulting data and improved models will be combined into an overall modeling and analysis procedure that is applied to two vehicles designated by the sponsor. Live fire and field data for these vehicles will be obtained and used to modify and validate the modeling procedures. The key metrics will be the occupant injuries, overall vehicle response, and local deformations. The entire modeling process will be transitioned to the Marine Corps, through development of training materials such as reports, computer exercises, and tutorials. The final product will allow the Marine Corps and other DoD activities to successfully assess the effects of design changes for reducing injuries and improving vehicle performance in land mine attacks.