Innovative Impact Energy Absorber Appliqué

The objective of this proposed effort is to develop an innovative energy absorbing appliqué for armored tactical vehicles to reduce head and body impact injury from crashes and explosions. Severe head and body trauma resulting from vehicular accidents is a major concern to military. In our Phase I activities, we will optimize a Smart Impact Absorber Appliqué based on aluminum honeycomb with blast resistant polyurea. Utilizing LS-DYNA computer numerical modeling software, we will obtain the highest-performing, thinnest energy absorbing applique prior to constructing test articles. FMVSS 201U compliance testing will be performed by an independent testing laboratory MGA Research Corporation. TRI will then subject the applique to environmental and use tests to insure suitability for field use. Material areal density, energy absorbing efficiency, durability, manufacturing feasibility, and product robustness will be documented in the Phase 1 final report. Armor Holdings has been contacted to provide TRI with detailed interior layouts, input on suitable surfaces for the appliqué, and will provide feed back on our design. For Phase II, we have requested Armor Holding to allow TRI personnel to install Phase II prototypes in an Up-Armored Humvee M1114.