Advanced Development for Defense Science and Technology

The objective of this proposal is to research, develop and characterize Composite materials with the ability to increase blast and fragment protection. In Phase I, CAE-net will conduct research into an integrated network of visco-elastic dampers and stiffeners constructed of materials suitable for use in the environmental, geometric and blast/fragment conditions. CAE-net will develop a methodology for optimizing the thickness and location of various materials and substrates. Substrate materials will include but are not limited to aluminum alloys, ceramics, fibers, rolled homogenous armor (RHA) and composites. Based on our research, CAE-net will create a conceptual design including estimated weight, cost and performance characteristics. The objective of this proposal is to investigate novel, non-traditional blast mitigation materials, techniques & phenomenologies and synergistically integrate them with traditional armor approaches to demonstrate the most optimal, mass efficient, underbelly armor solution against blast/fragment threats. Our approach is different from other armoring technologies. We are designing an integrated network of dampers and stiffeners rather than simply stiffeners that other organizations have used. Our approach will be to use specialized polyurethane, specialized fabric, anti-ballistic fragile material integrated with special type of light metal. In phase I, CAE-Net will propose and test the feasibility of the predictive approach for PBLAST countermeasure modeling and simulation. The solution architecture including input data sources, the predictive model(s), and the output should be designed and tested. CAE-net will conduct a study to determine alternate materials for the current coding for the blast protection appliqué that would reduce or eliminate the effects of shear, penetration, and fragmentation during an anti-vehicular blast event. We will also compare the alternate materials to the current material with regard to weight, availability, and cost. We will model and simulate the current design under normal operating conditions as well as during an anti-vehicular blast impact. We will model, design, and develop four (4) 2’X2’ panels for blast protection appliqués in phase I. Physical prototypes will be built by CAE-net and tested by the DARPA in phase II.