Dynamic parameters of multi-cabin protective structure subjected to low-impact load – Numerical and experimental investigations

Abstract The dynamic response of a multi-cabin protective structure subjected to impact load directly affects the protective performance of materials; thus, studying the dynamic response and communication law of wave effect of the load plays an important role in the prediction of protective performance. In this study, the protection experiments of box-structure under air- and/or water-medium are conducted, the dynamic response of the structure subjected to low-impact load is analyzed, and the corresponding numerical simulations are analyzed using the theory of finite element method (FEM). Combined with experimental and FEM simulations, the shock strain distribution, acceleration attenuation, and signal energy in defensive materials are determined. Based on the results, the metal structure exhibits good absorption characteristics for shock vibration. Using the experimental data, we also show that the attenuation of shock wave in water medium should be significantly better than that in air medium, and the protective structure should be designed for a combination of water and air mediums. Meanwhile, the numerical simulation can provide a quantitative analysis process for dynamic analysis of defensive materials.