Abstract

In structural engineering, bio-inspired systems have been used to develop impact-resistant structures, but their usage in lightweight blast-resistant structures is still very limited. Researchers at McMaster University have developed and validated three different lightweight blast mitigation systems by mimicking Falcon’s Nostril, Orca’s Jaw, and Pangolin-Armadillo Scales, which can efficiently minimize the pressure values behind the systems during explosions with various intensities. Such systems can be applied on both building structures and vehicles to mitigate the blast caused by explosions, noisemaking devices, and natural disasters.

Applications

• Protecting people and facilities in buildings and vehicles from the blast generated by military actions, terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, earthquake, volcanic eruption, and big concerts.

Advantages

• Lightweight
• Small depths
• Low pressure values behind the systems
• Low pressure wave velocities behind the systems
• Low negative impulse effect
• Low transmitted impulse
• Simple manufacture and installation
• Low cost