Performance evaluation of sandwich panel systems for blast mitigation

Sandwich panels are popular amelioration systems used as sacrificial cladding in protection from blast or impact loading. Sandwich panels have the ability to dissipate energy through plastic deformation of the core and plates, making them more effective than a single metallic plate of similar density. A popular class of sandwich panels consists of metallic lattice cores that are sandwiched between solid plates. For these metallic lattice core panels, the ability to withstand blast loading depends on the core topology. In this study we investigate sandwich panels with different types of metallic lattice topologies and compare their performance under prescribed blast loads using nonlinear finite element simulations. A parametric study is carried out to evaluate performance indicators including: energy dissipated through plastic deformation, maximum force transferred, and plate deflections. Finally, based on the parametric studies recommendations are made for the use of these sandwich panels. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.