BLAST3DPRO+

Within the framework of the ASTRID BLAST3D+ project, different configurations of composite/metal combinations were subjected to the blast effect and analysed in order to understand their dynamic behaviour. Two types of fibre reinforcements were used in the composites: the first type corresponds to different 2D fabric stacking configurations and the second type comprises 3D fabric architectures. After small-scale blast tests, two solutions were found to be promising in terms of dynamic deformation versus surface mass: one-piece 3D fabric architecture and successive 2D fabric stacks at 0° and 90°. Based on these results and in order to achieve a solution transferable to an industrial scale, it is envisaged, within the framework of the BLAST3DPRO+ project, to improve and adapt these two fibrous reinforcement solutions by the processes available within the GEMTEX laboratory of ENSAIT. By means of a reinforcement in the thickness by stitching for the 2D stacked fabrics and by an increase in the thickness of the 3D monoblock fabric while reducing the number of evolutions of the warp threads of the structure to a number of frames available on industrial weaving machine. The two solutions with reduced dimensions (0.5 x 0.5 m2) will be tested with the effect of a blast applied in a free field and on a reduced scale (2 kg TNT equivalent). In parallel to these experimental realisations, a finite element modelling approach of the solutions composed of a shielding steel and a composite material based on one of the improved fibrous reinforcements will be carried out by means of a material map and a modelling tool specific to the IMPETUS company. Blast simulations will also be carried out by ARQUUS and compared to the experimental results on the tested targets. Using the previously identified material behaviour models, a scale and size change simulation will be carried out to indicate the expected performance of the full size steel/composite targets. A final full-scale blast test (8 kg TNT equivalent) will be carried out on a steel/composite target produced to the actual dimensions of a vehicle floor application (1 m2).