Development of an innovative sandwich composite material for protection of lower limb against landmine explosion: mechanical leg test results

This paper includes results of the blast tests which were performed with the aim of comparing the energy absorption and protection efficiency of protective boots with different sole configurations. Tests were performed on a mechanical leg model vestured with protective boots. Load and three axis acceleration values were measured during the blast tests to determine the protection efficiency of boot samples. Herewith, it was understood that merely a monolithic composite layer used in a sole does not provide protection, whereas compressible metallic honeycomb material-based sandwich composites demonstrate better energy absorption. With the innovative sandwich composite material developed in this study, energy absorption was increased by 209% in comparison to monolithic composites.