Blast Pressure Amplification due to Textile Coverings

Abstract

Experiments were conducted on the pressure experienced on a surface underlying a textile layer when exposed to a blast wave environment. Injury to humans subjected to blast loading affects the soft organs of the body, and the effects of clothing on these loads is of interest. It was shown that considerable amplification of the pressure load can occur depending on the textile properties. Shadow photographs of the wave interaction with muslin, cotton, and satin textiles are presented in order to identify the physical processes. As the textile becomes more permeable the transmitted wave increases in strength relative to the reflected wave, gas passage through the specimen is greater, and textile movement is less. The effect of a slab of gelatin under the textile was investigated with a view to simulating the effect of animal tissue covering a hard surface such as a rib. Both single and multiple layers of seven widely different cloth types were also tested for their amplification properties. It was found that pressure amplification of up to four times that of an uncovered surface can be generated. Further investigation is necessary to establish the effects of textile structure on the loads.