Side-vent-channels solution for improved buried-mine-blast survivability of a light-tactical-vehicle

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to carry out a design-optimization analysis of the recently proposed side-vent-channel concept/solution for mitigation of the blast loads resulting from a shallow-buried mine detonated underneath a light tactical vehicle. Within this concept/solution, side-vent-channels attached to the V-shaped vehicle underbody are used to promote venting of ejected soil and supersonically expanding gaseous detonation products. This effect generates a downward thrust on the targeted vehicle, helping the vehicle survive mine-detonation-induced impulse loading. Design/methodology/approach The utility and the blast-mitigation capacity of this concept are investigated computationally using coupled finite-element/discrete-particle computational methods and tools. To maximize the blast-mitigation capacity of the solution (as defined by a tradeoff between the maximum reductions in the detonation-induced total momentum transferred to, and the acceleration acquired by, the target vehicle), the geometry and size of the side-vent-channel solution are optimized. Findings It is found that by optimizing the shape and size of the side-vent-channels, their ability to mitigate blast can be improved, but the overall blast-mitigation potential of the side-vent-channel solution remains relatively modest. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, the present work is the first attempt to combine the finite-element/discrete-particle analysis with optimization in order to refine the side-vent-channel blast-mitigation concept.