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Research Project Title: Investigating the Effectiveness of Using UHMWPE Composites in Blast Protection

Explosions, whether accidental or deliberate, pose significant risks to public safety, as evidenced by tragic incidents like the 2020 Beirut explosion and terrorist attacks in various countries worldwide. These events unleash various dangers, including devastating blast waves and the perilous spread of fragmented debris. Addressing these multifaceted threats underscores the ongoing global push to fortify protective systems essential for preserving public safety in the face of such dangers.

Recent breakthroughs in materials science have introduced promising candidates, such as ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber-based composites. These composites have garnered attention for their remarkable ability to withstand ballistic impacts, characterized by their high strength-to-weight ratio, effective energy absorption, and resistance to fragmentation.

However, despite their potential, a research gap exists concerning their efficacy in mitigating the impact of high-speed fragmentations generated from complex scenarios like explosions. This PhD project aims to investigate the dynamic response of UHMWPE composites and their capacity to withstand the dual threat of explosive energies and fragmentation. By studying their deformation and failure mechanisms, the research seeks to assess their effectiveness in blast-resistant applications.

Supervisors

Prof. Genevieve Langdon and Dr. Richard Curry