Using Rigid Polyurethane Foams (RPF) for Explosive Blast energy Absorption inApplications Such as Anti-Terrorist Defenses

摘要

Reduction of the data from recent experiments has shown that RPFs have aremarkable and surprising capability to absorb and perhaps to dissipate the energy of a blast wave. The purpose of this report is to document the recent work done to quantify the blast energy absorbing capability of the RPF material as well as possible from the existing data, and to suggest appropriate avenues for research to gain better definition of the mechanisms involved. In addition, some potential applications are suggested. All of the data presented herein are digested from the earlier reports. This report only considers analysis of those data. Details of the experiments and techniques that produced the data are in those reports. RPF can form a valuable tool in protecting structures against blast, such as from terrorist attack. Experiments are needed to confirm the predictive capability of the derived extrapolator. These experiments are needed to make intelligent design decisions, but, as an interim, a nine-inch thick layer of six-to-eight pound per cubic foot (pcf) RPF can be considered sufficient to greatly reduce damage, especially interior spalling, from concrete walls in a variety of attack scenarios. A six-inch thick layer is almost as effective. This analysis has considered only blast wave damage. RPF should not be used for protection against explosively driven fragments. This analysis does not consider the effect of the pressure pulse on the overall structure.