A Numerical Investigation of the Performance of a Nacre-like Composite under Blast Loading

Abstract

This paper investigates the behaviour of a bio-inspired finite element composite model (that mimics the structure of nacre, the inner layer of molluscan shells) under blast loading. Nacre, which has attracted the attention of researchers over the past few decades, comprises 95% aragonite, brittle voronoi-like polygonal tablets that are joined by an organic matrix and arranged in a brick and mortar type structure. In this work, the finite element model developed herein was constructed using voronoi diagrams and geometric algorithms capable of automatically generating staggered layers of voronoi-like aluminium tablets bonded together by a vinylester adhesive layer. Many studies have led to the..