Numerical investigation of polyurea coated aluminum plates under hydrodynamic shocks

We present a numerical investigation of polyurea (Pu) coated aluminum plates loaded by a hydrodynamic shock wave. This numerical investigation is a follow-up for two previous sets of experiments studying the mechanical behavior of polyurea coated aluminum plates. The aim of the numerical investigations is to add additional insights for designers using polyurea coatings, regarding the importance and relevance of the coated side with respect to the shock intensity, that are not reachable by experimental means only. It appears that the sole consideration of the coated side provides an incomplete picture, whereas the nature of Pu–aluminum interface has an influential effect on the overall performance of the coated plate. To comprehend the importance of the interface between the structure (aluminum) and the coating (polyurea), we examine by means of finite element simulations two extreme cases: one in which the layers are not attached at all and one in which the two layers are fully bonded without separation option. Those interfacial conditions are examined for the case of Pu coating on both sides of the aluminum plate with respect to the water. This paper emphasizes the importance of the interface between the aluminum plate and the Pu to achieve optimal survivability of the compound plate against hydrodynamic shockwaves. •Numerical simulations of hydrodynamic shocks on PU coated plates are presented.•Different PU coating sides were compared under shock loading.•Both the coating side and the interfacial conditions affect the plate performance.