Dynamic Response of Hybrid Steel-Composite Structures Subjected to Underwater Impulsive Loading

摘要

The dynamic response of hybrid steel-composite structures subjected to underwater impulsive loads is analyzed. The analysis focuses on the effect of varying structural attributes on load carrying capacity, deflection, energy dissipation and damage. The three structural designs studied are monolithic steel plates, steel plates with a carbon-fiber composite affixed to the front-face (impulse-receiving face), and steel plates with a PVC foam and carbon-fiber composite affixed to the front-face. Underwater impulsive loads are generated using a novel experimental setup involving diagnostics for in-plane and out-of-plane strain measurement. The experiments are supported by fully dynamic numerical calculations which account for fluid-structure interactions and damage and failure mechanisms in the materials. For the same applied impulse, the monolithic steel plates experience significant dynamic plasticity and rupture while the hybrid structures do not experience rupture. The results suggest that hybrid steel-composite structures have superior blast-resistance than steel plates with only relatively small increases in overall mass.