The Energy Absorption Capability of Composite Materials for Use in Performance-Critical Applications: A Review

Innovative and novel composite materials that can offer a healthy combination of properties to include physical, mechanical and thermal have in recent years been engineered for use in a spectrum of both performance-critical and non-performance-critical applications in industries spanning aerospace, automotive, defense, naval, civil construction and even consumer products. In the period spanning the last three decades, since the early 1980s, novel composite materials have been engineered for use in products that can withstand both the effects and after effects of shock loading. Based on the energy absorption capabilities and response characteristics of the chosen composite when subjected to the extrinsic influence of a blast load, valued observations in synergism with criterion for the design of both materials and structures were put forth. In this paper, an attempt is made at reviewing the energy absorption capabilities and blast response characteristics of structures made from novel engineered composite materials. The specific role of nature of composite material, processing technique used for the engineered composite and mechanical response is presented and briefly discussed.