Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of Calcium-Silicate-Based Mineral Foam for Blast Mitigation

Cellular materials such as aluminum and polyurethane foams are recognized for their effectiveness in energy absorption. They commonly serve as crushable cores in sacrificial cladding for blast mitigation purposes. This study delves into the effectiveness of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), a lightweight, porous material known for its energy-absorbing properties as a crushable core in sacrificial cladding. The experimental set-up features a rigid frame made of steel measuring 1000 × 1000 × 15 mm3 with a central square opening (300 × 300 mm2) holding a 2 mm thick aluminum plate representing the structure. The dynamic response of the aluminum plate is captured using two high-speed cameras arranged in a stereoscopic configuration. Three-dimensional digital image correlation is used to compute the transient deformation fields. Blast loading is achieved by detonating 20 g of C4 explosive set at 250 mm from the plate’s center. The study assesses the mineral foam’s absorption capacity by comparing out-of-plane disp