Improving the impulse transfer and response characteristics of explosion loaded compound angle V-plates

This paper reports the results from an experimental investigation into the effects of modifying the geometry of V-hull plates subjected to localised air blast loading. It compares the damage and impulse transfer characteristics of single and compound angle V-plates. The air-blast loading was generated by detonating small discs of plastic explosive at a pre-determined stand-off distance from the tip of the V-plates. The responses of compound V-plates (with varying combinations of internal angle for the V-ridge and base angle plate) were compared to a single V-hull plate with an internal angle of 120°. The compound V-plates offered potential improvements to the deformation and the resistance to rupture, but the 120° V-plate offered better (more desirable for application) impulse transfer characteristics. •Localised air blast loading of compound and single V-plate designs.•Compound V-plates had better deformation resistance.•Some compound V-plates had improved rupture resistance.•Single V-plates had better global impulse transfer characteristics.