Tuning material and component properties to reduce weight and increase blastworthiness of a notional V-hull structure

In this paper, concepts are investigated for tuning material properties and component configurations in order to design structures with unique dynamic characteristics for mitigating blast loads while maintaining or reducing weight. The dynamic response index (DRI) is employed as an occupant injury metric for determining the effectiveness of each blast mitigation configuration that is considered. A finite element model of a notional V-hull structure is used as a numerical example in this study. The material properties and the configuration of the inner bulkheads that connect the V-shaped outer surface with the inner floor are used as design parameters for reducing the DRI at a typical occupant location. In this particular example, it is demonstrated that both the weight of the structure and the DRI can be reduced simultaneously. This is achieved by creating a new structural design that features energy absorbing and decoupling mechanisms among the bulkheads, floor, seat, and the occupant.