Design and Modeling of Bio-inspired Lightweight Composite Panels for Blast Resistance

Abstract

Two main toughening mechanisms of nacre are of special interests including the multilayer platelet structures and the interfacial waviness. The multiple laminate structure of nacre is composed of polygonal tablets bonded with organic adhesives to maximize its load-sharing capability. While the hard mineral tablets provide structural rigidity, the soft organic polymer matrix provides the mechanisms to mitigate damages and dissipate energy. This chapter presents an investigation on the influences of the platelet architecture on the blast resistance of two different nacre-like composite panels. A novel three-dimensional model of an aluminum/vinyl ester composite structure that closely mimics mu..