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A combined finite-element/discrete-particle analysis of a side-vent-channel-based concept for improved blast-survivability of light tactical vehicles

Mica Grujicic (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States.)
Ramin Yavari (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States.)
Jennifer Snipes (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States.)
S Ramaswami (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States.)

International Journal of Structural Integrity

ISSN: 1757-9864

Article publication date: 1 February 2016

158

Abstract

Purpose

The recently proposed concept solution for improving blast-survivability of the light tactical military vehicles is critically assessed using combined finite-element/discrete-particle computational methods and tools. The purpose of this paper is to propose a concept that involves the use of side-vent-channels attached to the V-shaped vehicle underbody. Since the solution does not connect the bottom and the roof or pass through the cabin of a light tactical vehicle, this solution is not expected to: first, reduce the available cabin space; second, interfere with the vehicle occupants’ ability to scout the surroundings; and third, compromise the vehicle’s off-road structural durability/reliability. Furthermore, the concept solution attempts to exploit ideas and principles of operation of the so-called “pulse detonation” rocket engines in order to create a downward thrust on the targeted vehicle.

Design/methodology/approach

To maximize the downward thrust effects and minimize the extent of vehicle upward movement, standard engineering-optimization methods and tools are employed for the design of side-vent-channels.

Findings

The results obtained confirmed the beneficial effects of the side-vent-channels in reducing the blast momentum, although the extent of these effects is relatively small (3-4 percent).

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, the present work is the first public-domain report of the side-vent-channel blast-mitigation concept.

Keywords

Citation

Grujicic, M., Yavari, R., Snipes, J. and Ramaswami, S. (2016), "A combined finite-element/discrete-particle analysis of a side-vent-channel-based concept for improved blast-survivability of light tactical vehicles", International Journal of Structural Integrity, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 106-141. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSI-12-2014-0068

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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