Double-Bend and Semi-Spherical Energy Deflectors' Blast Load Efficiency-A Comparative Study

The experience of recent military missions clearly shows the importance of protecting vehicles and the people they carry from mines and IEDs. This protection can be achieved in many ways, using both active and passive solutions. One of the most popular solutions is using energy deflectors, which, thanks to their appropriately selected shape, can dissipate the energy from the detonation of an explosive charge, thus reducing the blast wave loading on the protected structure. The article presents the research results on two innovative groups of deflectors-double-bend and semi-spherical, characterized by a better ability to disperse energy than traditionally used V-shaped deflectors. Several possible geometric shapes differing in critical dimensions were selected, and both experimental studies and numerical analyses were carried out. A ballistic pendulum was used to measure individual deflectors' performances. The tests proved the tested solutions' increased effectiveness compared with V-shaped deflectors.

Automated summary

The recent military missions highlight the significance of protecting vehicles and their occupants from mines and IEDs. Various active and passive solutions can be employed for this purpose. Energy deflectors, particularly the double-bend and semi-spherical types, are popular solutions that effectively dissipate the energy from explosive charges and reduce blast wave loading. Experimental and numerical analyses demonstrated the improved effectiveness of these deflectors compared to the traditional V-shaped deflectors.