Blast and Ballistics

Conventional structures have limited capacity to absorb blast energy and are susceptible to early rupture. Stiffeners reduce the size of the plate membrane so reducing latent strain energy. Significant blast energy is transferred from the stiff slab or plate to the supporting structure. Connection details cause early fatigue at only 5% elongation of the steel plates. Panels are susceptible to fragment penetration, which further accelerates panel rupture.

SPS plates have been proven to absorb blast energy, block shrapnel, preserve adjacent structural integrity and reduce the risk of rupture. Larger spacing between structural members provides greater latent strain energy. SPS plastically deforms further and absorbs significantly more energy than conventional slabs. Connection details can be positioned to allow structures to reach up to 15% elongation. Fragments are absorbed and crack propagation is limited. Significantly less energy is transferred to the structure.

Greater strength is also retained in the supporting structure. No blast wave occurs behind the intact SPS plate, which additionally retains its built-in fire and smoke barrier.

Against a ballistics or shrapnel threat, SPS is significantly more effective than steel at stopping projectiles. Tests at Qinetic have shown that there is a 75% lower probability of structural penetration with reduced risk of injury to personnel and lower risk to structure as the elastomer ‘self-seals’.

SPS is ideally suited to many military and security applications on land and sea. It can be used to upgrade conventionally cladded units within a refinery, to protect facilities against nitrogen pipe rupture, and provides ‘built-in’ protection for new structures.