SGER: Application of Dynamic Failure Mechanics to Material and Interface Selections for Protecting Critical Structures

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Abstract for: SGER: Application of Dynamic Failure Mechanics to Material and Interface Selections for Protecting Critical Structures, CMS proposal 0456807PI: Luoyu Xu, Vanderbilt UniversityThe American homeland is in imminent danger of terrorist action. Although buildings, bridges, nuclear power plants and like structures might not avoid catastrophic failure in extreme events, research needs to be carried out to protect critical structures. In the case of existing structures, a quick and effective way to achieve this goal is to use structural protection systems such as composite jackets. Previous applications of composite materials to civil structures were mainly focused on structural rehabilitation under fatigue or seismic loading (i.e., low strain rate situations). Systematic studies on improving structural survivability using composite materials and other protective materials under impact or blast loading condition (high strain rate situations) have received only preliminary attention. However, fundamental scientific groundwork is still significantly lacking. The goal of this proposal is to explore the fundamentals of dynamic failure mechanism and mechanics involved in improving structural survivability using protective systems, before these systems can be extensively applied to critical structures. This objective will be implemented through real-time, small-scale model experiments of dynamic failure incorporating dynamic fracture mechanics analysis. The intellectual merit of the proposed activities is the identification of an interdisciplinary area of fundamental and practical importance. Complicated dynamic failure mechanism and mechanics can be extensively explored through carefully designed small-scale model experiments before these principles are applied to practical large-scale structures. The proposed activities will advance knowledge and understanding within the field of dynamic failure mechanics and across broader fields including composite materials and structural engineering. Since this project is focused on a highly visible research area of international importance to the general population, it is expected to lead to an immediate impact on society.